Plant Guide > Mosses and Lichens > Lichens > Genus Usnea

Genus Usnea

Genus USNEA (Dill.) Ach.

Thallus shrub-like (fruticulose) or pendulous, in cross-section round or angular, grayish-green, to greenish-white, sometimes straw-coloured; the interior consisting of a central tough cord surrounded by a cottony layer.

The fruits (apothecia) shieldshaped (scutellaeform), pale, with a fibrillous margin, spores more or less ellipsoid, undivided, colourless.

The name is derived from achneh, the Arabic for lichen.

Bearded Lichen
Hair Like Usnea Lichen