Lichen!
A harmless and sometimes considered unslightly combination of algae or cyanobacteria and a fungus, coming together in a mutually beneficial relationship.
With a range of colours and forms, the presence of lichen on a tree is a sign of clean healthy air and that it has no negative impact on the growth of the tree.
An epiphyte (a plant or plant-like organism that grows on the surface of another plant), lichens are unlikely to kill a tree, or cause it to fail. Lichens are not parasitic and do not draw nutrients from the tree.
Lichens need sunlight for photosynthesis, so they don't thrive in heavy shade. Consequently, they are typically found on deciduous trees or trees that are already dying, as these conditions provide less leaf cover in the canopy, allowing more light to reach the lichens.
While it is normal and natural for lichen to be present on a tree, an abundance of lichen might suggest that the tree is experiencing some form of stress.
If you are concerned about the presence of lichen
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What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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84.6% Yes
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14% No
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1.4% Other - I'll share below
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