Evernia prunastri (lichen)

 

Found on a fallen twig within Lancelot Clark Storth

Quote:) from Lichens Guide "It has been used by man for several purposes, including as "a fixitive for perfume" a dyeing agent.  It was ground up with rose petals to make a hair powder which whitened wigs. Covered up some of the smell of unwashed bodies and killed off head lice.  This species was often added as a flavouring to bread in the Middle East.  Iw was served as wadding in shotguns. The usnic acid it contains can be used to produce an antibiotic but it has been known to produce an allergy in woodcutters.  Long Tailed tits greatly favour this species for their nest where it forms an effective camouflage.