Epiphytes found in UK rainforests - in pictures

  • Resembling a bug-eyed monster out of science fiction movies, Coleema fasciculare, or 'octopus suckers', is a jelly lichen found in the temperate rainforests of western Scotland. All photos: Harper Collins
    Resembling a bug-eyed monster out of science fiction movies, Coleema fasciculare, or 'octopus suckers', is a jelly lichen found in the temperate rainforests of western Scotland. All photos: Harper Collins
  • Degelia atlantica, a lichen found in the very wettest parts of Britain's hyper-oceanic zone, resembles a cluster of scallop shells, forming a velvety grey mat over branches
    Degelia atlantica, a lichen found in the very wettest parts of Britain's hyper-oceanic zone, resembles a cluster of scallop shells, forming a velvety grey mat over branches
  • There are various species of Sticta lichens, many of which have the dubious distinction of smelling like rotting fish when wet. Above, Sticta sylvatica in Ceunant Llennyrch
    There are various species of Sticta lichens, many of which have the dubious distinction of smelling like rotting fish when wet. Above, Sticta sylvatica in Ceunant Llennyrch
  • Polypody ferns, whose name means 'many-footed', creeps along branches by sending out horizontal roots, lending Britain's rainforest trees a green halo
    Polypody ferns, whose name means 'many-footed', creeps along branches by sending out horizontal roots, lending Britain's rainforest trees a green halo
  • 'String-of-sausages' lichen (Usnea articulata) hangs like an eggshell-green necklace off branches in West Country rainforests, sometimes festooning entire trees
    'String-of-sausages' lichen (Usnea articulata) hangs like an eggshell-green necklace off branches in West Country rainforests, sometimes festooning entire trees
  • Lobaria scrobiculata is the gunmetal-blue cousin of tree lungwort
    Lobaria scrobiculata is the gunmetal-blue cousin of tree lungwort
  • The beautiful Ptilium, an uncommon moss found in northern woods, glows gold and is shaped like an ostrich feather
    The beautiful Ptilium, an uncommon moss found in northern woods, glows gold and is shaped like an ostrich feather
  • Tree lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), thought by medieval herbalists to be a cure for respiratory diseases, in Glasdrum
    Tree lungwort (Lobaria pulmonaria), thought by medieval herbalists to be a cure for respiratory diseases, in Glasdrum
  • This species of liverwort, Scapania ornithopodioides, has an unusual scent, described by one bryologist as 'like unwrapping a present'
    This species of liverwort, Scapania ornithopodioides, has an unusual scent, described by one bryologist as 'like unwrapping a present'
  • One of the weirdest denizens of Britain's rainforests, hazel gloves fungus (Hypocreopsis rhododendri) is thought to parasite another fungal species, the equally bizarre glue crust fungus (Hymenochaete corrugata)
    One of the weirdest denizens of Britain's rainforests, hazel gloves fungus (Hypocreopsis rhododendri) is thought to parasite another fungal species, the equally bizarre glue crust fungus (Hymenochaete corrugata)
  • Lobaria virens loves the dampest parts of the Lake District, Wales, Scotland and the West Country. The orange discs are the lichen's fruiting bodies
    Lobaria virens loves the dampest parts of the Lake District, Wales, Scotland and the West Country. The orange discs are the lichen's fruiting bodies
  • Hart's-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) lolls from earthen banks, fleshy and glistening
    Hart's-tongue fern (Asplenium scolopendrium) lolls from earthen banks, fleshy and glistening