Lichen

Habitat:

spotted on small scrub oak in scrub area

Notes:

Usnea lichen contains potent antibiotics which can halt infection and are broad spectrum and effective against tuberculosis bacterial. Usnic acid (C18H16O7), a potent antibiotic and antifungal agent, is found in most species. This, combined with the hairlike structure of the lichen, means that Usnea lent itself well to treating surface wounds before sterile gauze and modern antibiotics. It is also edible and high in vitamin C.