Lichen is a composite organism, not a single species, yet a partnership between several. It is composed of a fungus, algae, and sometimes a cyanobacterium working together in symbiosis to not only survive, but also extend each other’s ecological range. The circular structures seen throughout this photo series are known as apothecia, which function as the lichen’s spore producing structures. I have become fascinated with their patterns of growth and competition for space with vibrant moss, and how they interact with other lichens. These micro landscapes range in scale from 22mm to a mere 7mm wide.