Lichen is a sort of plant (algae) sort of animal (fungi). The alga half undergoes photosynthesis and the fungi half provides a home. Lichens undergo a change when exposed to acidic or alkaline. When dipped in an acidic solution, it reflects long wavelengths of light and we see RED, the opposite produces short wavelengths and we see BLUE.
Boiling Lichen in water produces dyes range from greens to orange. Add a little ammonia and reds and purples appear. Dyes made from Lichen were used in wool and silks. The Native American Indian also used Lichen for body paint.
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