Map Lichen Rhizocarpon geographicum
Identification
This lichen has bright green patches outlined in black.
Location
Rare in Ohio
Size
One to three inch patches
Diet
It absorbs nutrients from air and rain.
Habitat
It occurs on exposed rock faces.
Activity Period
Year round
Behavior
It forms map like patterns on rock. It persists through winter.
Lifecycle
Reproduction occurs through spores.
Population
The population is small and localized.
History
It has long been rare in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It is harmless and slow growing.
Facts
It can live for hundreds of years.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Airborne nutrients moisture | Exposed rock surfaces | Scattered northern Ohio