Lichens of Kintore

Scotland is home to many interesting varieties of lichens. Years ago these were a source of industry, providing coloured dye for clothing. Their commercial  use may have come to an end however lichens continue to thrive in the cold and humid environment. This page will serve to document the species of lichens to be found in Kintore, Aberdeenshire.

Lichens are composed of a fungus layer (for stability) and an alga layer (for photosynthesis of food) and can exist in almost any climate.

 Crustose Blue Lichen

Blue lichens such as this are fairly rare and so I may be wrong about the identification however it is certainly very beautiful. This specimen was found growing on the wall of a house at the top of Kingsfield Road.






Rhizocarpon geographicum

This is a yellow lichen with notable black spores along its edge found in cold and exposed areas. It is quite an interesting species. One reason  is it was part of an experiment involving sending lichens to space and exposing them to a lack of atmosphere and full solar radiation. The results showed that they could survive in those conditions for a full eighteen months. It can also be used to date geological features from its size as growth rate is known. This specimen was found in the Kirk-yard.

Aspicilia Calcarea

 This white, circular lichen is often found on rocks with high calcite content such as limestone. This specimen was found in the Kirk-yard.