Noun
One of a class of cellular, flowerless plants, (technically called Lichenes), having no distinction of leaf and stem, usually of scaly, expanded, frond-like forms, but sometimes erect or pendulous and variously branched. They derive their nourishment from the air, and generate by means of spores. The species are very widely distributed, and form irregular spots or patches, usually of a greenish or yellowish color, upon rocks, trees, and various bodies, to which they adhere with great tenacity. They are often improperly called rock moss or tree moss.
A name given to several varieties of skin disease, esp. to one characterized by the eruption of small, conical or flat, reddish pimples, which, if unchecked, tend to spread and produce great and even fatal exhaustion.
Source: Webster's dictionaryAfter all, lichen is continuously branching out and adapting: She intends to do the same. Source: Internet
As with plants, a 1980 survey of McDonald Island found lower diversity there, with just eight lichen species and a number of non-lichenized fungi recorded. Source: Internet
Animals, like deer, eat the lichen and the methylmercury becomes concentrated in their bodies. Source: Internet
Some time will be spent on lichen, ferns and other lower vascular plants that feel comfortable in moss-friendly environments. Source: Internet
Fungi More than 6,600 species of fungi (including lichen -forming species) have been recorded from Ukraine, D.W. Minter and Dudka, I.O. "Fungi of Ukraine – a preliminary checklist". Source: Internet
The charity has removed the frilly, greenish-gold lungwort lichen from a fallen veteran oak tree in the Lake District and transferred it to dozens of nearby trees, but time will tell if the project is successful. Source: Internet