Jelly Lichen
Collema sp.
Growing on the surface of granite boulders in Hells Gate Canyon, Heiroglyphic Mts., Yavapai Co., Arizona. March 2011.
Winter temperatures in the Sonoran Desert are typically mild allowing lichens
and other soil and rock crust organisms to flourish. The variety is stunning and indeed the
importance in terms of soil formation and cycling of nutrients is high. Looking
like bits of fresh tar spattered on shady boulder surfaces, jelly lichens
belonging to the genus Collema are among them. There are several
similar species recorded.