Fungi and lichen

Fungi (from the Latin fungus) are thallophytes, which vary in size and lack chlorophyll. They are parasites or live on other decomposing organic material and mostly reproduce asexually by producing spores. The stem, normally filamentous (thread like) and branchy, is known by the name of mycelium. It absorbs the main organic nutrients which exist in its surroundings.

Lichen (from the Latin lichen) are symbiotic organisms resulting from the association of fungi with single-cell algae. They grow in damp places, spreading themselves over rocks or the bark of trees in the shape of grey, grey-brown, yellow or reddish coloured little leaves or crusts.