In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Meaning of Lichen 2. Types of Lichens 3. Reproduction 4. Economic Importance. Meaning of Lichen: Lichens (Fig. 200) constitute an extraordinary group of mostly grayish-green plants widely distributed all over the world. They grow on rocks, tree-trunks, dead wood and on ground, and can withstand extreme temperature. A lichen is a peculiar [...]
In this article we will discuss about the thallus structure of lichens with the help of diagrams. In a lichen thallus, the phyco-symbiont and the myco-symbiont are intimately associated, but their identity is maintained. On the basis of gross morphology, lichens are distinguished into three types — crustose, foliose and fruticose. The crustose lichens grow as a crust adhering closely [...]
In this article we will discuss about:- 1. Introduction to Lichens 2. Symbiotic Association of Lichens 3. Reproduction. Introduction to Lichens: Lichens are composite organisms consisting invariably of a fungus and an alga or a cyanobacterium. The two components are permanently associated with each other to form a lichen- body. The relationship is symbiotic. The algal or cyanobacterial component provides [...]