Greenish fruiticose lichen Ramalina celastri ...

The image depicts a greenish fruiticose lichen known as Ramalina celastri growing on a twig that was picked up under an oak tree at Texas A&M University after Tropical Storm "Ike" hit College Station, Texas.

Ramalina celastri is a species of lichens in the family Ramalinaceae. Its common names include oak moss and ramaline. The scientific name comes from the Latin word "ramus", meaning branch or twig.

This lichen grows on trees, especially oaks (Quercus spp.), but also other broadleaf trees such as beeches (Fagus) and maples (Acer). It is found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and Africa.

Ramalina celastri is a foliose lichen, meaning it has flat, leaf-like structures called thalli that grow on the surface of its host tree. The thalli are typically greenish-gray or brownish-red in color and have a wavy or lobed shape. They can be up to several inches long and wide.

The fruiticose lichens such as Ramalina celastri are found growing on trees, rocks, and other surfaces throughout the world. They play an important role in many ecosystems by providing food for insects, birds, and other animals. – AI vision