Growth and structure Fruticose lichen

teloschistes chrysophtalmus

fruticose or ‘shrubby’ lichen differ other forms of lichen based on bushy form attached ground @ base of lichen. important difference distinguishes fruticose lichen other forms of lichen continuous algal layer grows around circumference of branches of lichen. thallus may either rounded or flattened, unbranched or branched. fruticose lichens have fine, round, hair-like structures , loosely attached rocks , trees. although fruticose lichens defined being bushy, can exhibit flattened , strap-like appearance. highly branched fruticose lichen have high surface volume ratio results in rapid drying , wetting pattern compared lichens have lower surface volume ratio.

the internal structure of fruticose lichen composed of dense outer cortex, thin algal layer, medulla , hollow center or dense central cord. structure of fruticose lichens depends on mycobionts. lichen undergoes diffuse growth , thallus elongates on time. new branch cells grow through wall materials of older neighboring cells. microenvironmental conditions influence individual thalli , branches causing non-uniform growth. there 11 stages of growth fruticose lichen beginning end of life cycle.