Script Lichen - Graphis scripta
A crustose lichen whose elongated fruiting bodies resemble scribbles or writing on the bark of trees. The orange stuff surrounding the lichen is Trentepohlia algae. Trentepohlia algae are green algae that can live symbiotically with lichens, such as Graphis scripta. The filaments of Trentepohlia are orange because they contain a large quantity of carotenoid pigments, which mask the green of the chlorophyll.
Habitat: Hardwood tree
''Graphis scripta'' is a crustose lichen in the Graphidaceae family. It is commonly called script lichen, secret writing lichen, or similar names, because its growth pattern makes it looks like writing. ''Stigmidium microspilum'' and ''Arthonia graphidicola'' are associated lichenicolous fungi. It is variable with either curved or stellate apothecia. The margins are carbonaceous and raised, without furrows. Mature spores are without color, but become brown with age.
