Lichens

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Lichens are tiny plants, which are usually a combination of at least two organisms - a fungus and an algae*.

The alga uses sunlight to make sugars or food which will feed both the fungus and the alga.  The fungus will create a body (called a 'thallus') which will house the organisms.

There are about 1700 species found in the UK, and they occupy a wide variety of habitats including bare stone walls and rocky shores.  Others have even been found on glass and plastic, and a recent survey of a rarely cleaned car revealed over 20 different lichen species.

* Algae are plants which occur in fresh or saltwater.  They have pigments such as chlorophyll, but lack stems, roots or leaves.

Related Pages

• Fungi Section
• Identify other wildlife
• What's Out Now?