Lichens.ie - lichens of Ireland project

A test to help identify lichens in which ultra violet light is used to show the presence/absence of specific lichen substances.

A relationship between two organisms that is usually long term with the following two possibilities: (i) both partners in the symbiosis benefit (mutualistic symbiotic relationship) or (ii) just one partner will benefit at the expense of the other (parasitic symbiotic relationship).

A tiny growth (often spherical) of hyphae that holds a few algal cells. It is dispersed by the lichen as a method of vegetative reproduction.

A closely arranged group of soredia. Soralia, plural. An important descriptive term in the identification of lichens.

A term used to describe lichens that grow on rocks.

A root-like structure made from a single hyphal filament that grows from the underside of the thallus. It functions to hold the lichen to the substrate and to absorb nutrients.

A flask-shaped structure embedded in the thallus that opens to the outside through a pore. It produces conidia.

A circular or elongated depression in the cortex (upper or lower) that opens into the light coloured medulla. It is seen under a hand lens as dots or lines and is frequently used to aid in lichen identification.

A fine (usually white) powder often seen on the discs of apothecia or on the surface of the thallus. It is often used in lichen identification.

The sac or bag-like structure in the apothecium that holds spores. It is indicative of the Phylum Ascomycota in the Fungi.