USNEA LONGISSIMA

Curtains of pale hair-like strands,
some as long as ten feet, loop, drip, sway, billow
with the delicacy of woven elfin lace.

Usnea’s name originates from the Arabic
‘ushna’ meaning moss, but it isn’t a moss.
This pollution sensitive lichen
born of algae and fungi,
also known as Methuselah’s Beard,
the original Christmas tree tinsel,
thrives in untouched old growth forests.

As an herbal remedy,
the outer covering is antibiotic.
The inner white stretchy thread
stimulates the immune system.

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