Difference between revisions of "Lichen"

From CAMEO
Jump to navigation Jump to search
m (Text replace - "== Authority ==" to "== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==")
Line 12: Line 12:
 
  - fructicose: plant-like growth attached at one point or cluseter called a holdfast
 
  - fructicose: plant-like growth attached at one point or cluseter called a holdfast
  
== Authority ==
+
== Sources Checked for Data in Record ==
  
 
* ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com  Comment: "lichen" Encyclopædia Britannica    [Accessed April 26, 2002].
 
* ''Encyclopedia Britannica'', http://www.britannica.com  Comment: "lichen" Encyclopædia Britannica    [Accessed April 26, 2002].

Revision as of 07:26, 1 May 2016

Lichen

Description

Any of about 18,000 thallophytic organisms composed of an algae and a fungus growing in a symbiotic relationship on a solid substrate, such as a rock. Lichen have been used since ancient times as a source of food, medicine and dyes. Lichens grow relatively slowly (about 0.1 - 10 mm per year). Algae perform phtosynthesis producing carbohydrates and vitamins while the fungi absorb water vapour and provide a protective environment for the delicate algae. Their composite body is called a thallus and is classified as:

- squamulose: small, flat scales that do not adhere tightly to substrate
- crustose: flat, firmly attached to substrate
- foliose: leaf-like lobes, attached in the center to substrate by clusters of hyphae (rhizones); may reach several feet in diameter
- fructicose: plant-like growth attached at one point or cluseter called a holdfast

Sources Checked for Data in Record

  • G.Caneva, M.P.Nugari, O.Salvadori, Biology in the Conservation of Works of Art, ICCROM, Rome, 1991

Retrieved from "https://cameo.mfa.org/index.php?title=Lichen&oldid=50996"