About Buellia maharajensis:
- It is a new species of lichen.
- It is the fourth lichen variety discovered within Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala.
- Features of Buellia maharajensis:
- It is saxicolous lichen that grows directly on rock surfaces.
Key Facts about Lichen:
- A lichen is a symbiosis between different organisms — a fungus and an algae or cyanobacterium.
- The basis of their relationship is the mutual benefit that they provide each other.
- The photosynthetic algae or cyanobacteria form simple carbohydrates that, when excreted, are absorbed by fungi cells and transformed into a different carbohydrate.
- They also produce vitamins that the fungi need.
- Fungi contribute to the symbiosis by absorbing water vapour from the air and by providing much-needed shade for the light-sensitive algae beneath.
- The composite body of a lichen is called a thallus (plural thalli); the body is anchored to its substrate by hairlike growths called rhizines.
- Lichens are found worldwide and occur in a variety of environmental conditions.
- A diverse group of organisms, they can colonize a wide range of surfaces and are frequently found on tree bark, exposed rock, and as a part of biological soil crust.
