CRYPTOGAMS
They mostly inhibit barks and spread all over the trees ... these fungus-like organisms are actually called CRYPTOGAMS (scientific name - Cryptogamae) and they are very very good to our environment. One may think that these fungi like thingy are bad to the trees, fortunately they are one of the most important contributions of mother nature to our planet.
The word ‘Cryptogams (Cryptogamae)’ means hidden reproduction. It is made up of two Greek words “KRYPTOS” which means concealed and “GAMOS” which means marriage. Cryptogams are flowerless and seedless plants. These plants bear no flowers and fruits. Cryptogams include all non-seed bearing plants. Source
Cryptogams reproduce itself by spores, from no seeds nor flowers . These are tiny ancient organisms and like any other organism, they also complete a life cycle so that when they have dried-up another generation would start building. The world of Cryptogams is vast and scientific researches show that there are many classifications of these organisms.
We are here in Lower Austria and this is a popular pathway where locals walk their dogs. This pathway is also a biking route and parallel to this route is the Marchfeld Kanal. The ecology in this area is very good that cryptogams like moss and lichens are growing enormously in almost all trees.
In general, moss and lichens are categorized as lower group of plants considered by botanists as reliable indicators of terrestrial air quality. Lichens in example can be used to monitor the degree of environmental stress of a certain area. Source
How Cryptogams function as environmental tool for our ecosystem....
As natural organisms, they gain their energy through photosynthesis, absorb carbon dioxide and nitrate oxide that get accumulated in their layers or system and supply these to the soil/roots so plants would grow. We can say this process stabilizes the soil and keep it fertile thru Nitrogen acquisition.
Greens all over...
It has been observed by most biologists that in areas where there are so many lichens, moss or fungi..the greens in the surroundings are so abundant because all these organisms sort of feed the soil where plants are growing and they balance the ecology of the area.
We hope to have more of these organisms in the future to help plants grow vigorously, have a clean environment and justifies the Earth as the Green Planet.
References worth reading:
1.Role of Cryptogam in Environmental Biomonitoring
2.Cryptogams, Vascular Plants And Soil Hydrological Relations
nice post! lots of information i didnt know about here!
Thank you! I didn´t know this either... I always thought they are some kind of parasites engulfing the trees. Then a couple of years back, I was fascinated by lichens I found spreading on a tree. Rounder bigger organisms of various vivid colors of yellow, green and bluish shades. I thought of researching and found out that they are good to the ecology. Since I love nature, I decided to post this info in this community so everyone who ever reads would know that these organisms are good to our environment.
MM intersting! i have some olive trees with what MIGHT be lichens growing on it.. i wasnt sure if i should remove it all or not!.. i have to also do some research!
Oh no no no... please do not remove, just be sure they are lichens, hahaha. I know olive groves from my neighbours in Spain and they all grow in arid lands. That would mean the soil is acidic and olives grow in such areas where the bed is rocky. It is very interesting to know if the "lichens" found on your olive trees are really lichen because that might mean your area is environmentally sound.
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Thank you so much for the support!
The vegetation in that area is lush, perhaps something to do with the creek nearby?
Yes, I guess that is the humidity because of the water nearby... I just so guess it.