Foliose lichen

A foliose lichen is one of a variety or lichens, which are complex organisms that arise from the symbiotic relationship between fungi and a photosynthetic partner, typically algae. This partnership allows lichen to live in diverse climates that can range from cold, dry mountains to wet, warm valleys. Lichens develop quite slowly with recorded growth rates of 0.01-27mm/year depending on the species. Their lifespan averages between 30 and 60 years (Armstrong & Bradwell pg.3).