Mountain Lichens in Ireland

Cladonia floerkeana 
in the Comeragh Mountains. 
Photo: M.Maunsell

I often come across lichens in the mountains, such as this beautiful Cladonia floerkeana in the photo, but identifying and recording these wonderful organisms can often be a challenge. 

Many people who use the mountains either for their livelihood or recreation never notice these delicate organisms, and when I point out lichens to clients they become enthralled, and start asking lots of questions, saying they never noticed them before.  Soon they become fascinated and want to learn more.   

Lichens are organisms that grow on rocks, tree branches, or bare ground. They do not have roots, stems, flowers, or leaves. Lichens are not one single organism but a composition  of a green alga  and a colourless fungus which co-exist for their mutual benefit (symbiosis), while the fungus provides protection the algae makes food for the lichen, though scientist are not quite sure if one benefits more than the other.   

Some species of lichens can commonly reach ages of many centuries, especially those alpine or arctic tundra, one Arctic lichen was discovered to be 9000 years old.  Lichens can play an important role in soil formation as they are among the first organisms to colonize sites as they are released from glacial ice.

If you want to know more about lichens in Ireland’s mountains or need help with identification, check out the web site Lichen .ie (Link below)

I’d also highly recommend Paul Whelan’s excellent book 'Lichens of Ireland' (Link below)

Lichen Ireland Website

'Lichens of Ireland' Book by Paul Whelan