Common Greenshield Lichen – 4/23/25

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/17/10

Observation Time: 9:10 a.m.

Observation Location: near Gavins Pond

Common Name: Common Greenshield Lichen (a.k.a. Rock Greenshield Lichen)

Scientific Name: Flavoparmelia caperata

Comments: Lichens actually consist of two life forms – algae and fungi – living together symbiotically. The algae provides sugars by photosynthesis. The lichen provides the structure and nutrients from the rock or other substrate upon which it grows.

More Information: Missouri Dept. of Conservation and Wikipedia