Lichen Identification |
How are lichen species identified? |
The classification of lichen, like that of fungi, are undergoing constant change. There are about 15,000 described lichens which range in size from 1 mm to more then 3 meters, and come in many different colours and shapes. Most lichens are considered to be edible (or at least not poisonous). If not disturbed they can live for centuries. |
Identification Characteristics |
Thallus characters: Growth form, size, shape of the thallus, colour of cortex, rhizines and cilia of the lower cortex and margin, pores and cracks of the upper cortex. Reproductive characters: Presence of vegetative propagules; shape and colour of the apothecia (if present), shape, number of cells, size, colour of the ascospores. Chemical characters: Production of lichen compounds. Ecological characters: Distribution, elevation, habitat, substrate. Algal host: The type of alga, either chlorophyta or cyanobacteria. | ![]() Crustose Form |
What are the lichen growth forms? Lichens can be divided into three basic forms depending on the form of the thallus. Crustose: Crust-like, adhering tightly to the substrate by their entire lower surface. Some endolithic lichens are embedded in their rock substrate. Foliose: Leaf-like with a distinct upper and lower surface which are attached to their substrate only by small root-like structures (rhizines) Fruticose: Shrub-like, pendulous strands or hollow stalks called podetia, usually attached to the substrate at the base or holdfast. | ![]() Foliose Form ![]() Fruticose Form |
Hidden Forest | Lichens | Site Map |