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Story: Lichens

Lichen on asphalt

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Lichen on asphalt

Xanthoparmelia scabrosa thrives in damp urban environments, and can be found growing on rocks, tree trunks and roof tiles, as well as on asphalt. Recently, extracts from this lichen have been promoted for their aphrodisiac effects, although there is no scientific evidence that they work.

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Private collection

by Iona Wassilieff

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

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How to cite this page

Maggy Wassilieff, Lichens – Lichens in New Zealand, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10986/lichen-on-asphalt (accessed 5 June 2026).

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 1 March 2009.