Lichen, an amazing plant life...

While touring the Superstition Mountains in Az with friends this last week we found a few desert flowers in bloom.

Just enough to tease us about what is ahead in March to enjoy.  Lots of abundant lush green plants provided lots of color to desert scenery. 

The lichen was very colorful on the boulders and rocky slopes.  The above average winter rainfall is responsible for this display of green color that we usually didn't notice other years.

So, I checked out the internet and found more information on this amazing plant life, which is unique to this area.

http://www.redorbit.com/images/pic/28839/lichen-covered-boulders-in-the-superstition-mountains-close-to-the-phoenix-metropolitan-area/l