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A microscopic section through Lobaria pulmonaria. An outer cortex of fungal tissue covers a layer of green algae. The large, dark structure on the left is an internal clump of cyanobacteria, called a cephalodium. On the right, cells of algae wrapped in threads of fungus emerge from the crown-shaped soralium to be dispersed as non-sexual reproductive structures.

 

 

Photograph copyright Stephen/Sylvia Sharnoff