5 Spectacular Species Found in Britain's Rainforests
Did you know that there are species of lichen, mosses and liverworts found only in UK rainforest? Here are 5 of the spectacular species found in Britain's Rainforests.
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Plantlife
International charity dedicated to a world rich in wild plants and fungi π±ππ² Pioneers of #NoMowMay
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Did you know that there are species of #lichen, #mosses & #liverworts found only in UK #rainforest?
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
To celebrate the success of our rainforest conservation project in SW England, we are spotlighting 5 of the spectacular species found in #BritainsRainforests!π
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Firstly, is Witches' Whiskers (Usnea florida)! π§ββοΈ
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
This lichen is mainly found on small branches&well-lit twigs. Half of the British population of this species resides in Wales! It has been used medicinally for over a 1000 yrs due to its antibiotic and antifungal qualities.
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Next is String-of-sausage Lichen (Usnea articulata)!
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
This pale-green lichen forms a tangled mess which grows on bark, branches, & twigsπ²It was once widespread but disappeared from many regions during the industrial revolution, due to its sensitivity to air pollution.
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This is Tree Lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria)!
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
This #lichen gets its name from its shape that mimics the human lung π«
It is found mainly in Scotland, as well as other wilder areas of England and Wales. It is one of the largest lichens in Britain!
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Next are Filmy Ferns (Hymenophyllaceae)! πΏ
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
These #ferns are a family that are restricted to very damp locations, & some species have existed since the Upper Triassic! They are mainly found in tropical regions, with only a few species extending to temperate rainforests.
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Finally, is Green Satin Lichen (Ricasolia virens)! π
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
This #lichen is most commonly found in SW England and western Scotland. It appears dull and yellow-green when dry but shifts to earthy green when damp. It's occasionally also found on western sea-cliffs!
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Want to have a go at spotting these spectacular species yourself? πΏπ
— Plantlife (@Love_plants) March 15, 2023
Download our FREE temperate rainforest species ID guides here: https://t.co/yRw1aWUhL8
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