Lichens

Lichens are dual or composite organisms formed by the symbiotic associations

between algae and fungi. The algal component of the lichen is called phycobiont
and fungal component is called mycobiont. The mycobiont absorbs water and
minerals from the substratum and provide to algal component for photosynthesis
and in return the fungal component get prepared food from algal component.

Both components get benefit from one another and none of them is harm, the
phenomenon is called mutualism or symbiosis.

The branch of biology which study about lichens is called lichenology. Theophrastus
coined the term lichen and he is the father of lichenology.
 Characteristic of lichens
• Lichens can grow in extreme cold and dry places.

• The plant body is thallus which is formed by symbiotic association of algae and fungi.

• Lichens secrete lichenic acid which help to degrade rock and act as pioneer species in
plant succession.

• the reproduction is of fungal type.They reproduce by vegetative, asexual and sexual

method.

• Vegetative reproduction takes place by fragmentation, soredia and isidia. Soredia are
powdery propagules with algal cells wrapped by fungal hyphae. Isidia are outgrowths
of thallus containing algal cells covered by outermost thallus layer.
• Sexual reproduction is oogamous type. It takes place by the formation of male sex
organ (spermogonium) and female sex organ (carpogonium). Spermatia and
oogonia are male and female gametes respectively.

• After fertilization, perithecia or apothesia are developed as fruiting bodies.

• Ascospores and basidiospores are produced by ascolichens and basidiolichens

respectively.

• Usnea, Graphis, Lecanora, Parmelia, Cladonia are some examples of lichens.

Types of lichens
On the basis of habitats:
• Corticolous: grow on tree barks.
• Follicolous: grow on leaves surface.
• Saxicolous: grow on rock surface.
• Terricolous: grow on soil.
• Musicolous: grow on mosses.
On the basis fungal components:
Ascolichens: fungal component is the member of Ascomycetes.
Basidolichens: fungal component is the member of Basidiomycetes.
On the basis of thallus structure:
• Crustose lichens:

They are thin and membranous and they can not separated from the substratum without any
damage. They form thin crust on bark, rocks and soil. E.g. Graphis, lecanora, Lecidea etc.

• Folise lichens:

Foliose lichen have leaf like thallus structure which are similar to thallus of liverworts. They are
attached on substratum with the help of rhizinae. E.g. Parmelia, Peltigera, Umbilicaria etc.

• Fruiticose lichens:

• These lichens have cylindrical and branched thallus with fascinating fruiting body. They attach on
the substratum with the help of flat disc. They are either pendulous( e.g. Usnea) or erect(e.g.
Cladonia, Ramalina, Evernia etc.)
Crustose lichen Foliose lichen Fruiticose lichen
 Economic importance of lichens
Advantages:

1. Ecological value: Crustose lichens grow on bare rucks and act as pioneer species in plant
succession in xerophytic habitat.

2. Food and fodder : Some species of lichens are used as food in many parts of the world e. g.
Parmelia, Lecanora, Aspicila, Umbillicaria etc. Cladonia, Cetraria, Alectoria etc. are considered
as important sources of fodder for reindeer, musk, ox and other animals of the arctic and sub-
arctic regions.

3. Medicinal value : Lichens are used for treatment of various diseases like Lobaria pulmonaria is
used to cure lung disease, Peltigera canina is used for hydrophobia. Usnea also contains anti-
cancer compounds.
Economic importance of lichens

4. Production of dyes: Lichens are used to manufacture of dyes. Orchil is a blue dye obtained from
Cetraria islandica which is used for dyeing woolens. Similarly, litmus paper, an acid –base indicator is
obtained from Rosella tinctoria.

5. Bio-indicator of air pollution: Most of lichens are highly sensitive to atmospheric pollution, particularly
sulphur dioxide pollution. Therefore presence or absence of lichens indicate the level of air pollution.
Lichens are more common in rural area than in cities.

6. Perfumes and cosmetics: Lichen thalli are used to prepare incense stick Many species of Evernia and
Ramalina yield essential oils which are also used in manufacture of different cosmetic soaps, many
anticeptic creams etc.

7. Brewing and distillation process: Certaria islandica is used in brewing alcohol.

Disadvantages:

1. Forest fire: Dry thalli of Usnea form thick mat on tree branches which easily
catch fire so there is high risk of forest fire.

2. Destruction of cemented structure: Lichen secretes lichenic acid that can

damage plasters and shining beauty of buildings, monuments, temples etc..

3. Premature leaf fall : Some lichen grow on leaves of tropical crop plants such as
coffee, rubber, cacao and cause premature leaf fall.