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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2000; 2(3): 368-378
DOI: 10.1055/s-2000-3711
Original Paper
Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ·New York

Growth Strategy and the Gradual Symbiotic Interactions of the Lichen Ochrolechia frigida

A. Gaßmann, S. Ott
  • Botanisches Institut, Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Publication History

December 22, 1999

April 13, 2000

Publication Date:
31 December 2000 (online)

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Abstract

The symbiotic interactions in connection with the growth strategy of the crustose lichen Ochrolechia frigida (Sw.) Lynge have been investigated and the flexibility of its life strategies is discussed. The lichen is an interesting model organism for the mutualistic adaptation of bionts to each other and to the habitat conditions. O. frigida consists of verruciform granules which contain both bionts, and spinules and an extensive prothallus which both generally contain no algae. The algal-free stages seem to be capable of saprotrophic nutrition and hyphae penetrate cells and tissues of mosses, phanerogams and lichens. A variety of morphological and anatomical adaptations and a special type of reproductive biology are necessary to survive in harsh environments. But the overwhelming success of O. frigida is based partly on the capability of the algal-free mycobiont to colonize all plant substrates and its ability to use parasitic or at least saprotrophic ways of life to supplement its symbiotic nutrition. The environmental conditions obviously influence the growth form of the lichen. In habitats where the biomatter turnover is notoriously slow (e.g., in the Antarctic) saprotrophic nutrition will be limited and the lichen is mainly characterized by granules.

Key words

Ochrolechia frigida - lichens - life strategy - colonization - symbiotic interactions - parasitism - saprotrophism

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S. Ott

Botanisches Institut Heinrich Heine Universität Düsseldorf

Universitätsstr. 1 40225 Düsseldorf Germany

Email: otts@uni-duesseldorf.de

Section Editor: H. M. Jahns

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