Lichens

Interesting to me are the many shapes and sizes of these moss, algae and lichens. They are not plants with roots to take up water and nutrients, however they do have a process called photosynthesis that duplicates the process. They are not parisitical and do not harm other plants but instead use the surfaces of rocks, plants as substrate. There is a type of acid called usnea. This compound has been used for antibiotic and anti inflamitory issues. It is also said to cure certain types of cancer. The warning here is very clear, not enough study has been done but they have found if used incorrectly it could cause liver damage. Pretty much every natural plant or drug we consume today has side affects of some kind. None of these products should be taken willy nilly and over extended periods of time.
This is my entry for #thursdaygreen with @kalemandra and also my #macrophotography with @juliank Thank you both for hosting these fun daily events.