Some natural dyes are made from lichens. In New Zealand Pseudocyphellaria coronata is known as the wool-dyer’s lichen. It is clear when boiled in water, but shades of green, pink, mauve, grey and brown can be made with the addition of mordants (fixing agents) such as ammonia and iron sulfate.
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Private collection
Photograph by Alastair McLean and Bill Malcolm (inset)
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