Title: Introducing Fungi, Lichen and Slime Moulds

Cryptogams are a group of plants and plant-like organisms that reproduce through spores rather than seeds. The term "cryptogam" comes from the Greek words kryptos (hidden) and gamos (marriage), referring to their "hidden" reproductive structures compared to seed-bearing plants. Cryptogams include a variety of plant-like organisms such as:

• Algae – Aquatic organisms that perform photosynthesis and can be found in freshwater or marine environments.
• Fungi – Organisms that include moulds, mushrooms, and yeasts. They are not photosynthetic and play roles in decomposition and symbiosis.
• Lichens – Symbiotic associations between a fungus and an alga or cyanobacterium.

The Sidmouth Nature project does not extend to investigating the specialist world of algae but does attempt to further knowledge and understanding of fungi, lichen and the much scarcer slime moulds.

Fungi:

Fungi comprise a vast and diverse kingdom, encompassing a staggering array of species with unique characteristics and life cycles. From microscopic moulds to towering mushrooms, fungi exhibit unparalleled adaptability, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from deep-sea vents to desolate deserts.

Lichen:

Lichen exhibit remarkable diversity in form, colour, and growth habit, reflecting their adaptation to different environmental conditions. Some lichen species form crust-like patches or scales, clinging tightly to rocky surfaces or tree bark. Others grow as branching or leaf-like structures, resembling miniature forests or coral reefs.

Slime Moulds: 

Slime moulds, also known as myxomycetes, represent a diverse and widespread group of organisms comprising over 900 described species worldwide. These peculiar organisms inhabit a variety of terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including forests, grasslands, decaying logs, and leaf litter. Slime moulds are often encountered as gelatinous masses or plasmodial forms on decaying organic matter, where they play vital roles in nutrient cycling and decomposition.