. Elementary botany . Fig 417. Frond of lichen (peltigera), showing rhizoids. are formed. The most curious thing about them is, however, that while they form plant bodies of various form, these bodies are of a ''dual nature" as regards the organisms composing them. The plant bodies, in other words, are formed of two different organisms which, woven together, exist apparently a- one. A fungus on the one hand grows around and encloses in the meshes of its mycelium the cells or threads of an alga, as the case may l>e. If we take ne of tin- leaf-like forms known as peltigera, which grows o
. Elementary botany . Fig 417. Frond of lichen (peltigera), showing rhizoids. are formed. The most curious thing about them is, however, that while they form plant bodies of various form, these bodies are of a ''dual nature" as regards the organisms composing them. The plant bodies, in other words, are formed of two different organisms which, woven together, exist apparently a- one. A fungus on the one hand grows around and encloses in the meshes of its mycelium the cells or threads of an alga, as the case may l>e. If we take ne of tin- leaf-like forms known as peltigera, which grows on damp soil or on the surfaces ()f badly decayed Logs, we see that the plant body i^ flattened, thin, crumpled, and irregularly lobed. The color is dull greenish on the upper side, while the under side is white or light gray,and mottled with brown, especially the older portions. Here and there on the under surfaee are quite long slender blackish strands. These are composed entirely of fungus threads and serve as organs of attachment or holdfasts, and for the purpose of supplying the plant body with mineral substances
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1890, bookpublisher, booksubjectbotany
