Lichen Identification Methods

From the field to the lab, we take a brief look at how lichens are identified by sight and by chemical spot tests. This video was made for a Lichenology class at Oregon State University by Jena Fay and Sara Lynch. Lichens mentioned here include Cladonia, Lobaria, Evernia, Usnea, Ramalina, Xanthoria and Bryoria. Happy identifying!

[@GaiaCarney]

Lichens are the coolest 💚 Thank you, Sara Lynch & Jena Fay

[@zoyakaufmann2235]

I LOVE THIS!! It's so neat to actually see these commonly-referrenced chemical tests performed. Thank you so much for making this video.

[@botanicaltreasures2408]

Great intro to several genus of lichen. Thanks!

[@JenSpice]

I was trying to find a great usnea identification method and you covered it!

[@mariasuzane586]

It's really, really cool girls! THANK YOU, VERY MUCH!

[@B30pt87]

Thank you! I have so much lichen where I live (just outside of Yosemite National Park). I just started to learn about it because it is so cool looking and it is everywhere up here. After watching this I am going to learn more about it than just the names.

[@botanyprofessorsandeep]

Great job Sara

[@penelopegillette7921]

Nice video! The spot testing tips are super helpful -- Thanks!! :)

[@ShaneMay2911]

thank you guys, i have identified the lichen that i have. you are awesome!

[@007barullo]

This video was great, thanks so much for everything!

[@007barullo]

Who could dislike this vid?

[@dooneykeltic5498]

great! highly informative...

[@wesleydanielprice8643]

Thanks for the tutorial...from the Cape Cod Mycological Society

[@tilbikramchongbang9133]

Wonderful. I love lichens..

[@dubayguru]

Awesome stuff we could certainly use your help on the Global Lichen Project!

[@dubayguru]

Find us here: facebook.com/groups/1047719328579846/

[@crinoid1919]

Great video ladies :)

[@TheKristenGibson]

Wow...I wish you guys were here. I really need identification help

[@madhavneupane2692]

Good informative video Love from NEPAL

[@CHistrue]

Two thumbs up! One for the fungus, one for the algae!

[@byman_only]

wow good

[@rachidmouedden5725]

Hi lts réély very interesting thanks

[@luciachmurova3008]

hello, you didn't really explain why the spot test is helpful, is it for species identification?

[@mralsop7342]

Hi Sara could you tell me if the book macrolichens of the northwest tells you in any detail on how to check lichens through a microscope or how to identify by using chemicals or maybe you could point me in the right direction to such a book I am just getting into lichens and can find nothing but books with pics for identifying and I cant seem to identify for sure by pics alone that may just be me though

[@saralynch391]

It’s an excellent book and key. The pictures are all closeup, but none are under the microscope. However, there is LOTS of information about chemical tests for identification in here. The author was my university professor, Bruce McCune, with Linda Geiser. I don’t know where you are, but Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest might be at your library, and it’s on Amazon: smile.amazon.com/Macrolichens-Pacific-Northwest-Second-Ed/dp/0870715658/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1487881625&sr=8-1&keywords=macrolichens+of+the+pacific+northwest. It is worth its weight in gold.

[@mralsop7342]

Thanks for your reply sara, im actually near London England I'm guessing we share the same lichens over here and id like an array of lichen books so I ll check it out thanks again.

[@TheRealColt]

After watching this I'm really lichen lichens LOL

[@Dovid2000]

Are there lichens that are naturally fragrant, with a pleasant scent?

[@saralynch391]

I don’t know of any off hand, but I do know that some lichens contain a chemical that is used for balancing fragrance in perfumes, if that helps!

[@Dovid2000]

Thanks for your reply, Sarah.

[@charlesgardner4219]

What is the source for KOH and P test crystals?

[@saralynch391]

+Charles Gardner Sorry for the late reply. We had access to these chemicals at Oregon State University, and I understand that if you work in a lab they can be acquired more easily. I have been told that if you contact a society such as Northwest Lichenologists they can help you find information on how to order lab chemicals as well. Good luck!

[@charlesgardner4219]

thanks, I think I will be able to use my affiliation with BRIT (Botanical Research Institute of Texas). They indicated we mightt do it next week. Got the KOH through Amazon of all places...

[@deeprajcreationclub3285]

11:11

[@BallMatzo]

I'm lichen this video!!!

[@michaeltyler7166]

around 5:13 your stating that maritime sunburst lichen is called santeria, is there a reason i dont know and when googling just simple santeria its a green shrub smoked in africa simular to marjuana or tobacco, but when looking up Maritime Sunburst Lichen you will see exactly what your showing.

[@saralynch391]

The genus for this lichen is Xanthoria.

[@ZomBeeNature]

You seem to mix everything together from one sample to the next, and the ceramic thing doesn't look clean, and the chemicals too, and bare fingers on the paper... It seems like you would cross-contaminate everything and not really know what you had... 😢

[@saralynch391]

I understand why you might think that, but these are pretty simple identification tests that don’t require sterilization; you can just use a wet cloth to wipe out the wells between tests. Keep in mind this is a university classroom with older equipment and things get stained over time!

[@blackpage716]

I lichen your red hair. Wish I could put some in my terrarium