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Story: Lichens

Foliose lichen

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Foliose lichen

Foliose (leaf-like) lichens are flat with distinct upper and lower surfaces. The leaves are usually divided into lobes. Some of the largest foliose lichens in the world grow in New Zealand, where they can reach half a metre in length.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10048150

by Kevin Smith

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How to cite this page

Maggy Wassilieff, Lichens – Features and life history, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10983/foliose-lichen (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 1 March 2009.