地衣(ちい)類(るい)

ちいるい
noun
lichen; lichens
academicplant-general
1. lichen; lichens
A group of organisms formed by a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae. They grow as flat crusty or leafy patches on rocks, tree bark, and walls.
岩(いわ)に地衣(ちい)類(るい)が生(は)えている。
Lichens are growing on the rock.
地衣(ちい)類(るい)は空気(くうき)の汚(よご)れに敏感(びんかん)だ。
Lichens are sensitive to air pollution.
木(き)の幹(みき)を覆(おお)う地衣(ちい)類(るい)は、菌類(きんるい)と藻類(そうるい)が共生(きょうせい)したものだ。
The lichen covering the tree trunk is a symbiosis of fungi and algae.

Composed of 地衣(ちい) (lichen) + 類(るい) (kind, group). Not a single species but a category of fungus-and-alga symbiotic organisms.

Usage

Lichens are often used as an indicator of air quality, since they grow poorly in polluted areas. They are distinct from コケ (moss), which is a true plant.

general
Added 2026.5.18 12:04 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
27500/27746_chiirui