Story: Native plants and animals – overview

Lichens

Lichens

Lichens are an alliance of a fungus and one or more other organisms. Most lichens can be found growing on soil, rock, tree bark, and leaf surfaces. There are thought to be more than 2,000 species of lichen in New Zealand, representing about 10% of the world’s known lichens. There is a fairly low degree of endemism – less than 40% are found only in New Zealand.

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Reference: 10059269

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How to cite this page:

Bob Brockie, 'Native plants and animals – overview - Plants and fungi', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10613/lichens (accessed 2 May 2024)

Story by Bob Brockie, published 24 Sep 2007