Sharing – Ramakina Fastigiate and Xanthoria Sp. (Drawing)

Following a strong wind, the lanes of our village are scattered with lichen-covered twigs, and all I need to do is stroll down the lane by my house to discover these fascinating organisms.

This particular specimen had been blown from the oak tree in my garden.

Lichens consist of two organisms, fungus and algae, in a symbiotic partnership. Fungi can't produce chlorophyll and thus can't generate their own energy from the sun, unlike plants. Algae, however, perform photosynthesis and have teamed up with fungi. In exchange for vital nutrients provided by the fungi, the algae gain protection from ultraviolet light due to the structure of the fungi. In this relationship, fungi play the dominant role, essentially "farming" the algae to produce their needed sustenance.

Drawn in Froxfield By Nick McMillen in 2021

Location 51.02773 0.97820

• Compressed charcoal on Fabriano Artistico 300gsm hot press paper

• Signed and dated by the artist

• Dimensions 75 cm x 50 cm

• Mounted and Framed. Framing options to be discussed.