Also known as Deer moss or Deer Lichen, these lichens are actually endangered, even though they seem to coat the ground in some places. These cloud shaped lichens can take decades to grow, and old growth forests that have been around long enough for these plants to grow are getting rare, which is compounded by the fact that like all lichens, these are very sensitive to air pollution. Though it is a small industry, this lichen is sold to model building companies to make miniature trees out of.
Where it is found, Deer Lichen is eaten by many small herbivores, especially, guess what, deer. It can be used to estimate the time since rain last fell because it gets soft and spongy when wet, and crunchy as it drys. It can also be used to estimate the amount of time since the last fire in the area, which happens naturally in Florida unless humans put it out.
Like other lichens, Deer Lichen has no roots, and a clump can be picked up and put back down without harming it. (It does need to be put down someplace with similar light and climate conditions though.)
I used http://www.wholeo.net/Lookout/lookout2007/lookout07.html for most of my info, but some came from http://www.hiltonpond.org/ThisWeek010222.html
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