endolichenic

Endolichenic refers to fungi that live within the tissues of lichens. These fungi are not parasites in the typical sense, as they do not cause significant harm to their lichen host. Instead, they often exist in a state of mutualism or commensalism, deriving some benefit from the lichen without detrimental effects. The term "endolichenic" specifically describes fungi that reside *inside* the lichen thallus, between or within the fungal hyphae and algal or cyanobacterial cells. This is distinct from epiphytic fungi, which grow on the surface of lichens. Endolichenic fungi can play a role in the decomposition of lichen tissues or may have other ecological functions. Their study is important for understanding the complex microbial communities that inhabit lichens and the intricate relationships within these symbiotic organisms. Identifying and characterizing endolichenic fungi can be challenging due to their internal location and often subtle interactions with the host.