DescriptionXanthoparmelia semiviridis (comparison of dry and wet form).jpg
English: Collected beside the Monaro Highway, between Michelago and Cooma, Southern Tablelands, New South Wales, Australia
The dry specimens on the left have curled lobes to give maximum protection to the sensitive green algal layer within the thallus. Metabolism is minimal in this state, and because the lichen is not attached to the soil, dry thalli can be dispersed by wind, like miniature tumble-weeds.
After 5 minutes of saturation in water, the lobes uncurl and flatten out, exposing the algal layer to ensure optimal photosynthesis.
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