Close-up of Methuselah's Beard lichen a scree stone wall
The body (thallus) of most lichens is different from those of either the fungus or alga growing separately. The fungus surrounds the algal cells, often enclosing them within complex fungal tissues unique to lichen associations. In many species the fungus penetrates the algal cell wall, forming penetration pegs or haustoria similar to those produced by pathogenic fungi. Lichens are poikilohydric, capable of surviving extremely low levels of water content. However, the re-configuration of membranes following a period of dehydration requires several minutes at least
Size: 2832px × 4256px
Location: Isles of Scilly, England, UK
Photo credit: © Jacky Parker / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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