Lichen fairy totem

Medium: This is a piece of lichen from a tree in the Baviaanskloof, in clear UV Kristal resin, with gold pigment, and green hearts.

Dimensions: 5x2 cm cabochon, wrapped in silver wire, 45 cm black twine. 

Date created: 2024 Collection

Notes on lichen: Lichens are composite organisms, being symbiotic associations between fungi and green algae or cyanobacteria. Lichens do not damage the host tree. The outer fungal coating collects moisture and minerals from the air. The green pigment in the algae/cyanobacteria enables the food-producing process of photosynthesis to take place, and the lichens are not feeding on the tree bark.

An additional bonus is that as lichens do not grow where the air is polluted, their presence can be seen as an indicator of good air quality. https://naturebackin.com/2017/04/06/shady-characters-in-the-garden-celebrating-tree-dom/