Lichens
Structural composition of lichens
A lichen is composed of two completely different organisms in a symbiotic relationship: colourless, fungal threads called hyphae, and a colony of microscopic, green or blue-green algae. Together they form a thallus, which bears no resemblance to either a fungus or an alga and behaves as a single independent plant. In Malaysia, the wide diversity of lichen flora has led to numerous studies in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. Only a few studies have been conducted in Sarawak. Lichens were once a source of fabric dye, and a few species are used as food and medicine, and as a source of essential oils.
- Information in the full article includes
- Habitat
- Structure
- Growth and reproduction
- Ecological role