THE LICHENS,
HOW MUCH OF THESE IS
KNOWN IN NIGERIA?
Lichen is a composite saprophytic and chlorophytic
interaction of fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The interaction is a
mutualistic or most times symbiotic relationship as both individuals benefit
from each other. Algae or cyanobacteria being photosynthetic, they are able to
produce food using solar energy and fungi break down substrate material to
access minerals in which algae benefit while fungi use algae for support.
Lichens unlike other plant do not have storage cell such as
waxy cortical to store water, no specialized root system as such they depend
wholly on the air moisture for water and becomes dry as soon they air becomes
dry.
Substrate and distribution
Lichens, like other plants and animals is an import organism
well distribute across all habitat. Their distribution is adapted for specific
host while some being generalist. Host substrates which support their growth like
tree is called a phorophyte. Other supporting substrates include bare rock, soil,
dead wood, standing wood, walls of buildings and manmade material such as
bottles, sheath of metals. Occurrence of lichens is determined by environmental
and climatic factures such as temperature, altitude, humidity, air and water, which
must be in right proportion. Nature or texture of substrate is a vital material needed
for growth. One factor that can limit lichen occurrence is pollution. Toxic
substance released in air, water and ground can affect their occurrence except
for few species that are resistant.
Benefits of lichens
Presence or absence of lichen tells a lot about the atmospheric purity. Studies have shown that lichens are a good bio-indicator of air quality. As negligible as they may seems, but like other green plants they play a vital role in maintaining air quality.
Classification of lichens
Lichens, based on
their body forms are classified into different groups but three major groups
are common:
Fruticose-shrubby lichens appear thread-like
Photo 1; Crustose occur as a mask of
paint adhering firmly to substrate Photo 2; Foliose are leafy-like lichens and can easily be detached photo 3.
Other classifications are:
Ø
Leprose-
powdery
Ø
Gelatinous-jelly
like
Ø
Filamentous-stringy or like matted hair
Ø
Byssoid-wispy,
like teased wool
Ø Structureless
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| Photos by Bello, 2017. |
 | ||
| Photos by Bello, 2017. |
 |
| Photos by Hannah, Photo grid created by Bello, 2016. |
 |
| Photos by Hannah, Photo grid created by Bello, 2016. |
 |
| Photos by Hannah, Photo grid created by Bello, 2016. |
Many works on going to know more about Nigerian lichens
Acknowledgement
- Thanks to Bello Adamu Danmallam, Applied Ecologist, Ahmadu Tafawa Belewa University, Bauchi, Nigeria;
- Hannah Samuel Solademi, Botanist, Gombe State University for their contribution.
This was put together by Elisha, Emmanuel Barde, University of Jos Department of Plant Science and Technology (Plant Ecologist and Taxonomist).
Source:
-
Awasthi,
D.D. 1988. A key to the macro lichens of India and Nepal. J. Hattoi Bot. Lab. 65: 207-302.
-
Awasthi,
D.D. 1991. A key to the microlichens of India, Nepal and
Sri Lanka. Biblioth. Lichnenol. 40, J. Cramer, Berlin, Stuttgart.
Pp. 337.
-
Photos
from Nigeria Montane Forest, Ngel-Nyaki Mambilla Plateau, Taraba State and
Amurum Forest Reserve Plateau State
-
21st Century Guidebook to
Fungi by David Moore, Geoffrey D. Robson and Anthony P. J. Trinci accessed2017(http://www.davidmoore.org.uk/21st_Century_Guidebook_to_Fungi_PLATINUM/Ch13_18.htm)
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