The surfaces of the Cypress Trees closest to the direct salt spray at Point Lobos are often covered with a bright orange growth. This is Trentepohlia aurea v. polycarpa, a green alga which is rich in beta carotene, giving it a bright orange color. It, too, is nonparasitic and can be found growing on rocks and downed wood along the trail. Both the alga and the lichen condense moisture from the fog and sea spray. Excess moisture drips down into the rootzone of the trees and provides extra water during the dry season.

In this photograph I tried to go for an abstract result by just focusing on the maze of tree branches with the bright orange algae.

Sony A7RII with 70-200 mm f/2.8 GM lenes.