Double-creature

Photo competition: 2nd place in the category ‘Symbiosis’

Various types of lichen (Xanthoria parietina and Lecanora chlarotera) colourfully cover a branch. Lichens are the result of a fascinating symbiosis of two partners that provide for each other: fungi and algae. The fungus provides the algae with water and nutrients, the algae supplies the fungi with carbohydrates. Lichens do not harm the trees on which they live. Around 2,000 species of lichens are native to Germany. The picture was taken during a spontaneous afternoon walk by the photographer in the Freising experimental shrub gardens.