Give the economic importance of lichens - Biology -

Question

Give the economic importance of lichens

Ayyagari Ramlal · Accepted Answer

Dear Student,

The economic importance of lichens
includes:

They are widely used as an important food in
Northern Europe ( Iceland moss
(Cetraria
islandica)
and in Highlands of North Africa (Lecanora esculenta) and in
India Peltigera canina (Dog
lichen)
They also help in biodegradation by
accumulating several pollutants – Pb and
Cu
Lichens produce various secondary compounds
like pigments etc and which can be used as dyes – Orchil
(purple colour obtained from Roccell) and Cudbear (red
colour obtained from Ochrolechia)
Can be used for medication purposes
-Peltigera leucophlebia used to treat
Candidiasis
They are used for aesthetic value because of
their shapes, color and sizes – Fruticose
lichen
They can also work as flavoring agents where
species like Parmelia, Heterodermia, Pyxine
and Physcia are extensively used to increase the flavor of
the Indian spicy dish 'Briyani’
Lichens are being used as Fodder -
Cladonia sp
As Litmus indicator - Rhizocarpon
geographicum
Evernia
prunastri (Oakmoss
lichen), it is used in making
perfumes

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information will clear your doubts about topic

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Give the economic importance of lichens .