Evidence of liberation of lichen ascospores in clusters and reports on contact between free-living algal cells and germinating lichen ascospores under natural conditions

摘要

Free-living cells of a green alga were found on pitted surfaces of old concrete tiles. Ascospores of the epilithic crustose lichensLecanora dispersa,Protoblastenia immersa,Candelariella aurella, andCaloplaca aurantia, which colonize this substrate, were found in the same microniches as the algal cells. Free ascospores of these lichens were found in groups of seven or eight and it is suggested, therefore, that under natural conditions these ascospores are liberated from the lichen asci in clusters of eight. Contacts between free-living algal cells and germinating ascospores of the lichensLecanora dispersaandCaloplaca aurantiawere also observed.