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The reason for the rough and non uniform surfaces is due to being mottled
with a variety of colors created by 77+ species of Lichen growing on the
stones. Several of these are nationally rare or scarce. Also every lochen
consists of a fungus and a green alga living together in a mutually beneficial
(or symbiotic) association. The algal partner contains chlorophyll and has
the ability to convert the sun's energy into sugar (like plants do). The
fungal partner constitueds the body of the lichen, protecting the alga from
harsh envoronments in which lichens live. Several of the lichens found on
the stones are normally found only on exposed coastlines, how they got to
Stonehenge also remains a mystery! Notice in this shot the center
stone isn't rough from about 1/4 of the way from the bottom to the ground
where no lichens are present.