LICHENS
Introduction
• Lichens are the “ dual or composite organism” formed by the symbiotic
associations between algae and fungi (mutualism)
• The algal component of lichen is called Phycobiont
• The fungal component of lichen is called Mycobiont
• The algal partner supplies food for the fungus due to presence of chlorophyll
while the fungus holds lichens on substratum and absorbs mineral and nutrients
for the algae to prepare food.
• The term lichen was given by “Theophrastus”.
• Father of Lichenology is “Acharius”
• Study of lichen is called lichenology.
Classification
1. Based on habitat, lichens are classified into five types
a. Saxicolous lichens- grow on rocks/ stones e. g. Dermatogen
b. Corticolous lichens- grow on bark of trees e. g. Usnea
c. Terricolous lichens- grow on soil e. g. Bryoria
d. Lignicolous lichens- grow on wood e. g. Cyphelium
e. Musicolous lichens- grow on mosses e. g. Cladonia
2. Based on fungal partner or components, lichens are of two types
1. Ascolichens- In ascholichens, the fungal partner is usually the members of class
ascomycetes and algal partner is mostly the member of green algae and rarely the
blue green algae e. g. Evernia sp.
2. Basidiolichens- In basidiolichens the fungal partner is usually the members of
basidiomycetes and the algal component is generally blue green algae e. g. Cora
3. On the basis of nature of thallus and it’s attachment to the substratum
a. Crustose lichen (crust like)- They grow on the substratum like bark of trees,
ground and surfaces of rocks. They have flattened thin or thick
t hallus without any distinct lobes. e. g. Rhizocarpon, Graphis
b. Foliose lichen(leaf like)- They grow on the substratum such as rocks/ stones,
soil, bark of trees, etc. They have dorsiventrally flattened and broad thallus
with much lobed margins. E. g. Parmelia, Peltigera, etc
c. Fruticose lichen (shrubby)- They are very distinct in comparison to other
lichens. They have most complex thallus which is slender and freely branched.
E.g. Cladonia (Reindeer moss), Usnea (Old’s man beard).
Rhizocarpon sp. Bryoria sp.
Graphis sp.
Peltigera sp. Usnea sp.
Parmelia sp.
Characteristics of Lichens
• The plant body of lichen is called thallus.
• The thallus shows the symbiotic assoiciation between the algal components
(phycobionts) and fungal components (mycobionts).
• Based on morphological structure of thalli, they are of three types: crustose (crust like),
foliose (leaf like) and fruticose (shrubby).
• Lichens secrete lichenic acid that helps in the disintegration of rocks.
• Lichens show vegetative, asexual and sexual methods of reproduction.
• Vegetative reproduction takes place by fragmentation, decaying of older parts, soredia
and isidia.
• Asexual reproduction takes place by formation of oidia.
• Sexual reproduction takes place by the formation of male sex organ (Spermogonium)
and female sex organ (Carpogonium).
• After fertilization fruiting bodies are formed which may be apothecia (disc shaped) and
perithecia (flask shaped)
Economic importance of Lichens
Lichens are useful to nature and mankind in the following ways
Ecological value: Lichens function as the pioneer plants in ecological succession
because they grow on barren, naked and rocky surfaces. The organic acid produced
by them disintegrate rocks into soil, so regarded as soil markers. This invites other
lichens and plants such as mosses, ferns, or higher plants. So they are the pioneers of
the plant kingdom.
Food and fodder
• A few species of lichens are used as human food in different parts of the world. E. g.
Parmelia, Bryoria, etc.
• Lichens like Cladonia rangiferina (reindeer moss) and Cetraria islandica (Iceland
moss) are used as food by wild animals.
• Species of Parmelia are used as curry powder in India.
Medicinal Value
Several lichens are used for the treatment of various disease like Lobaria is used to
cure lungs disease, Peltigera is used for hydrophobia, Cladonia is used in treatment
of whooping cough.
A yellow substances usnic acid is obtained from species of Usnea and Cladonia. It
is a broad spectrum antibiotic and is used in the treatment of various infections.
Bio- indicators of air pollution: Most of the lichens are highly sensitive to
atmospheric pollution particularly sulphur dioxide pollution. As the level of SO2
pollution increases their number decrease. By this trend, the degree of air pollution
can be predicted. Thus, they are used as biological indicator of air pollution.
Perfumes: Certain species of lichens like Evernia prunastri, Lobularia, etc are
used in the preparation of perfumes and scented incense (Dhoop).
Dyes: Parmelia, Evernia, etc are used to manufacture the high qualities of dyes of
various colors.
• Litmus used as acid-base indicator, is salso dye and is obtained from Roccella
tinctoria.
Harmful aspects
• Lichens growing on young fruit trees are harmful to the plants.
• During hot season, some species of lichens (Usnea barbata) become dry and
inflammable that they often help in spreading forest fire.
• Lichens secrets lichenic acids that can damage the plasters and shining beauty of
buildings, temples, bridge, etc. when they grow on the walls by disintegration of
rocks, walls, etc.
• Some lichens act as allergens.
• The commercial value of glass and marble stone is reduced because of itching of
their surface by lichens.
