Similar in appearance to some of the hanging lichens, the one on the above left does quite well growing among the moss and ferns at the base of rocks.

The images in the above right and right show even more of the diversity of lichen structure.

Another large group of lichens prefer to inhabit rocks, clinging miraculously onto the surface and producing fascinating patterns and designs as the images above and below illustrate.

This close-up shows the various shapes rock lichen develop. Often this lichen can resemble dried mud or crusty gravel.

Many species of lichen have adapted to this harsh living on exposed rocks.

Some have even taken on a remarkable likeness to some of the other lichens shown earlier with the peppermint candy-type of shaped discs as shown in the image on the right which is a close-up of the one above.

Even lichens that survive on plain rocks can produce some colour like these small flowers of red. This is also something that is rarely noticed – another marvel in the miniature world of mysterious lichens!