How Can I Dry a Large, Thick Lichen to Preserve It?

Question

I have several large, thick lichen growing on my maple trees. I have no idea what kind they are but they're larger than dinner plates and a good 2" or more thick and somewhat cupped in shape. They're just beautiful. I've dried smaller ones, but these are so big. Is there any way to preserve them? Thank You!

Are they Lichen or Fungi? Gosh, i guess i'm not sure. I thought anything that grew on a tree and was shaped like a lichen was a lichen. No?

Answer 1

What you have are not lichens but Bracket fungi( Relatives of mushrooms )

See some photos on the link by clicking on it ==
http://images.google.co.in/images?hl=en&q=bracket+fungi&btnG=Search+Images&gbv=2

You can cut and sun dry them. Best way is to leave them as they are . They do not mean any harm to the tree. Just taking its help to survive.

Answer 2

I'd place them on something that allows air to move all around them: a screen, some fabric netting like nylon net, quilt batting, baking rack, ... Place them in a well-ventilated and dry area during the drying.

Are these lichens or fungi?

Answer 3

press them inside an old phone book