Fungi > Parmeliaceae & Lichens
The Wolf Lichen (Letharia vulpina) is one of the most visually electric and chemically fascinating lichenized fungi on planet Earth. Adorned in a vibrant, almost neon fluorescent chartreuse-to-yellow-green hue, this fruticose lichen drapes itself across the dry bark...
Plants > Anacardiaceae & Sumac Family
The Baja Elephant Tree (Pachycormus discolor), known in Mexico as the ‘copalquÃn’ or ‘torote blanco,’ is one of the most bizarre, sculptural, and iconic pachycaul succulents native to the hyper-arid wastes of the Baja California Desert. Endemic...
Invertebrates > Salticidae & Jumping Spiders
The Wasp Peacock Spider (Maratus vespa) is an astonishing and flamboyant miniature arachnid endemic to the rugged, sun-baked landscape of the Pilbara in Western Australia. Measuring barely four millimeters in length, this tiny jumping spider is celebrated across...
Fungi > Sarcoscyphaceae & Cup Fungi
The Fringed Goblet Fungus (Cookeina sulcipes), also celebrated as the ‘eyelash cup,’ is an exquisite and architecturally stunning ascomycete fungus native to the humid tropical rainforests of the world. Emerging from moss-covered deadwood like a delicate,...
Fungi > Marasmiaceae & Parachute Mushrooms
The Velvet Parachute (Marasmius elegans) is one of the most vividly colorful and charismatic agaric fungi native to the ancient eucalyptus forests of Australia. Resembling an exquisite, glowing amber umbrella sprouting from the damp woodland floor, this saprotrophic...
