Sombre in colour, ragged edged and without interesting form or texture,
why is this lichen a captivating focal point in a photograph?
It pales in comparison to more colourful flowers, or plants or trees.
It is like some people who rise above their average
appearance to have a strong presence.
If Gandhi wore Armani or if Mother Teresa wore Prada,
would they have had more impact?
m1nute 
Really interesting texture!
It’s because the colour has depth to it, like Ghandi and Mother Theresa too, I suppose! The colour looks like a little liquid pool in the notch of the trunk. That is why it is so appealing to the eye.
Good thoughts. Thanks for continuing the observations.