Lichens

Lichens come in various shapes and colors, adorning trees, rocks, and even the roofs of our homes. Their diversity makes them seem like nature's artwork, decorating the places they inhabit. To me, these organisms are masters of survival because they can be found almost everywhere on the globe. Moreover, they have the ability to withstand the most extreme climatic and environmental conditions, such as rapid temperature fluctuations or periods of water scarcity.

Despite all these superpowers, they do have their kryptonite. Lichens are highly sensitive to air pollution, which means they do not thrive in areas with high pollution levels. However, as air quality improves, they appear in more flourishing and impressive forms. This characteristic led to the development of a special scale called the lichen scale, which allows us to determine the level of air pollution in a given area.

When I go for a walk and spot them nearby, it’s a sign for me that I can breathe deeply and enjoy the outing in the embrace of nature.