Page 206 - The Forager’s Guide to Wild Foods

Terminology List

Apothecia - A raised, disc shaped structure found on some lichens that produce the spores.
Areolae - Crustose lichens eventually break up into flakes, like old, cracked paint. These flakes are called ar-
eolae.
Crustose - One of the 3 major types of lichens, based on their structure. Crustose lichens form a flat crust on
the rock that is tightly secured to the surface.
Foliose - One of the 3 major types of lichens, based on their structure. Foliose lichen form scales or flaps that
are slightly raised off the surface of the rock.
Fruticose - One of the 3 major types of lichens, based on their structure. Fruticose lichen form prominent fea-
tures that look shrubby or coral-like.
Isidia - The reproductive structures which emerge from the surface of the thallus as stalks which can break
away to produce another lichen. Both algae and fungal cells exist in the isidia.
Pseudocyphellae - The pores on the thallus of lichens that help with gas exchange. They appear as tiny white
or yellow spots.
Soredia (plural; Soredium) - The powdery reproductive structures that are blown off the thallus when its
surface ruptures to produce another lichen. Both algae and fungal cells exist in the soredia.
Thallus - The fruiting body of a lichen, which is the most visible part. Its shape and color vary enormously
between species of lichens.

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