Lichen

Lichen were a hybrid colony of algae and funguses. The trees of the Forest Gate were “hung with lichen”, and so were many trees in Fangorn Forest.

Portrayal in adaptations

1984-1997: Middle-earth Role Playing

Many different types of lichen are distinguished in the game:

Carpet Moss (S. Fangluin, Q. Laicafanga), despite its name, was a pale green-grey lichen that grew in mats on smooth, damp, calcium-rich rock underground. The patches, often the size of a child or hobbit, released a fine powder when disturbed. When applied as poultices, the moss hastened bone-setting and doubled the rate of healing, retaining its powers for up to a year after harvest.

Chékyûv (S. Ongluin, Q. Luinondo), also called Blue Rub, was a dark-blue lichen found on the interior of Easterling wells. Scraped and applied directly to a cut, it served as a sedative that also sped up the healing of the wound.

Gefnul (S. Gonhel, Q. Ondohellë), also known as Earth Ash, was a white lichen found near volcanoes. It could be consumed to restore health.

Gonhithui (S. “Misty Stone,” Q. Hísimondo) was a small blue lichen that grew on damp rocks along Mordor's watercourses. Ground and taken as a powder mixed with water it causes severe dehydration over the next day and may be fatal, with no known antidote. The only treatment is constant drinking.

Kingslock (S. Cammaidh, Q. Malyama), also known as Kly-bane, was a grey-white lichen found on exposed mountain outcrops. It could be ground and consumed to quickly treat organ damage. It also served as an antidote to kly-based poisons.

Lawrim (S. Barmallen, Q. Culuinassë), also known as Law’r, was a dull-orange lichen of the Ettenmoors. Contact caused painful rashes, while boiled extract produced a poison that induced shock and paralysis. The Hillmen used this extract as a dishonourable poison of last resort.

Lichen Gloriosa, also known as Loth-nu-Fuin (S. Flowers-under-the-Night) was a glowing lichen of Mirkwood. It illuminated dark places and, freshly gathered, could help sharpen blades magically.

Nelluin (S. “Blue Tooth,” Q. Luinelet), also known as Maynact, was a dark-blue lichen that grew on spruce trees. Boiled and strained into a tea, it healed nerve damage as the cost of permanently staining one's teeth light-blue.

Worlclivur (S. Falastir, Q. Falastir) was a rare reddish-brown flowering lichen found along Eriador's coastlines. Its processed paste inflicted a range of ocular maladies.