Lichen (Metroid)

Lichen, sometimes referred to as Tallon Lichen to differentiate it from other Lichen, is a species of flora that exists in numerous areas all over Tallon IV, oftentimes covering the surface areas in any area they're found in in its entirety. Due to the appearance of Phazon, a Phazon-mutated variant also exists, although it is presumably still the same species. These Phazon-mutated lichens emit low levels of radiation, and do not match known flora or fauna in the databank.

It is evident that the Chozo apparently added it to the planet in such high levels to give their colony a smooth look, as seen in some of their half-pipes, which are too smooth to be considered possibly natural.