Question

What are the three types of lichens?

Answer 1

Lichens:

Lichens are a complex form of Symbiotic association between a fungus and an algae.

These are of the following types:

• Fruticose:

1. They are commonly found to grow on tree trunks.
2. These lichens grow erect and they also have visible fruiting bodies.
3. For example Cladonia, Ramalina and Usnea.

• Foliose:

1. These are large and leafy lichens which reach up to several feet in diameter in some species.
2. These type of lichens have a distinct top and bottom site and can be leafy or flat or even bumpy.
3. For example Peltigera, Reindeer lichen etc.

• Crustose:

1. These lichens form a crust over the surface like a boulder, the soil, a car or even on roofs.
2. They can be of many colours such as yellow, orange, and red.