Lichens - ~

Lichens are a symbiosis between a fungus and an algae. The algae contains chlorophyll, a green pigment that it uses in photosynthesis to produce carbohydrates (sugars). These are used as "food" by the algae but are absorbed by the fungus. In this way the fungus get its nutrients from the algae, the fungus probably giving shelter for the algae allowing it to grow in conditions that it may not otherwise do Eg. rocks, concrete slabs, roofs etc. Many lichens grow with a crust like appearance in varying colours, and may grow as little as 1mm (0.04 in) per year, however in more favourable conditions (damp areas of less pollution such as the west coast of Wales and Scotland) growth rates can be in the order of 2-3 centimetres (1 in) a year. Some have been collected in the past for dying wool and medicinal uses, the bright orange Xanthoria parietina was used in medieval times as a remedy for jaundice, however FBCP do not advise or recommend that any Lichen is eaten.

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