Saturday Morning With Jack Tame

This is a regular complaint from gardeners: Lichen on the stems of our shrubs, trees and bark. In this case: Julie’s treasured Magnolias.  It kind of makes sense as the shrub or small tree often appears to have more lichen than leaves – mostly smallish buds, not large, impressive flowers. And few leaves that often look small and somewhat discoloured.  No wonder gardeners are concerned about Lichen!  Here are the identified species of lichen on our Magnolia: Cartilage Lichen and Common Sunburst Lichen.  Lichen do not live in or from the plants – they don’t invade the plants or steal nutrients, they just sit there on the branches in the sun. Often the more light or sun there is, the healthier the lichens are.  Gardeners often think that the plants’ lack of health is due to the presence of lichen but a far more accurate diagnosis is exactly the opposite. Shrubs and trees which are not in the most perfect place (with the best sun or shade) or with a minimal amount of healthy fertilisers