The Director of Edinburgh Botanic Gardens spoke in the aftermath of the recent gales about the unprecedented damage to trees and glasshouses. One of the casualties was an ancient oak, lying on its side. He pointed out that this was the best view of the top of the tree they had ever had, sadly now possible. What amazed him was the rich variety of lichens that were flourishing in the higher branches. Lichens are amongst my favourite things. Their soft colours and delicate tracery I find fascinating, beautiful, and yet often hidden, unassuming and unannounced. The importance of lichen flourishing is that lichen are so sensitive to air quality that they are badly affected by contemporary forms of pollution. The rich forests of lichen on this oak tree was a sign that the air quality in Edinburgh has drastically improved in recent decades. Not everyone needs to know this I realise – but it confirms further my liking for these lovely plants.
Below is a photo taken during a recent walk up the hills, of lichen, growing out of a moss-covered tree stump. One of nature's annunciations of the gratuitous artistry of on permanent display in God's world.
Haiku Prayer II
Such Beauty! Hidden!
Fragile jade green filigree
set in sphagnum moss.
Leave a Reply