Lichen

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 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

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "lichen" Encyclopdia Britannica [Accessed April 26, 2002].

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