LICHEN

Lichen in a fragrance description can suggest mossy greenery, weathered wood and the cool impression of a shaded landscape. Some interpretations introduce a mineral, rain-on-stone effect; others lean towards the warmer, subtly powdery character of moss extracts. These are perfumery interpretations, not one smell shared by every lichen species. They can give a composition an earthy setting around its other notes.

Lichens are partnerships involving a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium. Oakmoss, Evernia prunastri, is itself a lichen and supplies natural perfumery extracts, so lichen is not inherently a lighter alternative to oakmoss. The broad note name may also describe a composed accord. Without a more specific material name, it does not identify a species, extraction method or natural ingredient in a finished perfume.