Discolichens
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Lichen
Lichens are composite organisms, comprising a fungus and an alga; the former being the dominant partner in most types.
The fungus component is normally either a Prenomycete or Basidiomycete, and in the majority of species is in its apothecial form. Here, the mycelium of the fungus (marked by arrows) can be seen to surround the algal cells (marked by ‘a’).