Story behind the art of Rose Torres

Curious Allies: Mutualism in Fungi, Parasites, and Carnivores

The Fifth New York Botanical Garden Triennial

Biologic Soil Crust

Believed to be:

Collema tenax, jelly lichen

Psora decipiens, blushing scale lichen

Fulgensia, sulphur lichen

Syntrichia ruralis, star moss

Placidium squamulosum, jellytot earthscale lichen

Toninia sedifolia, blue blister lichen

Diploschistes muscorum, cowpie lichen

Unidentified tan lichen

Sphaeralcea parvifolia, small leaf globemallow

If you have ever been hiking in an arid desert, you might have seen signs saying, “Don’t bust the crust.” This crust is a delicate, yet vital part of the ecosystem. This tiny, almost alien ecosystem is a protective living layer of lichens, moss, and cyanobacteria connected to the underlying soil. The layer prevents erosion, stores water, adds nutrients to the soil, provides protection for seedlings, and keeps you from getting a face full of dust and sand. Walking on this crust breaks it apart and it can take decades to recover. The small leaf globemallow growing in the deep crevice at the center of the painting is protected by the soil crust. The soil crust absorbs water and holds it like a sponge. The deep spaces between clusters prevent seeds from blowing away in the wind and young seedlings from quickly drying out in the hot dry sunny air.

This biological soil crust is found in Washington County, Utah. This southern part of the state is predominantly red rock. The soil in the area is different and is gypsum rich, which provides a home for the endangered Arctomecon humilis, dwarf bear poppy, which only grows here. I initially went looking for the poppy. As I sat on the trail sketching the charismatic flower, I couldn’t help but notice the brightly colored lichens surrounding it. I decided I needed to paint the soil that this plant, and others, depend on to survive.

Biological soil crust can have many different lichens which vary from site to site. This site has not been well studied, so I reached out to a local lichenologist to help identify the lichens and moss. She needed samples to identify the lichen species I had photographed. I learned that lichenologists use chemistry on living samples to verify species. I did not collect samples for identification. I live four and a half hours drive away from this location, and have other responsibilities, so returning was not feasible. Using her knowledge and records of commonly found lichens in the region, she gave suggestions of what they would most likely be.

My husband nicknamed this painting The Cancerous Dirt Heart, for its shape and color, but I prefer the nickname Soil Love. This soil is beautiful, important to the desert ecosystem, and fascinating to learn about. I hope to use this painting to educate people about the importance of conserving this delicate formation. I will be down on my belly checking out the biological soil crust every time I’m in southern Utah from now on. 

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