Common Lichens of the Estero Bay Area - Elfin Forest

Exposed/Windswept Coastal/Island RockUndisturbed areas with exposed and windswept rock along the immediate coastor on islands. Lichens are generally tough; the majority of them are typicallycrustose. Wind, fog, moisture, salt, and sand spray are constant environmentfactors that affect lichen species in this community. Acids in the lichensdecompose the rocky substrate, often separating the top layer of rock whichappears glued to the bottom of the lichens. The windswept coastal rocks have aunique composition of lichen species. Many are only found here, along thecentral coast, and on the Channel Islands.12