phycobiont

The algal partner in a *lichen, which is either a unicellular green or blue-green alga and often a member of the genus Trebouxia. If a blue-green alga (e.g. Nostoc, Rivularia, Gloeocapsa) is present the lichen is usually gelatinous. The number of algal genera involved in lichens (24 have so far been discovered) is relatively few compared to the large numbers of lichenized fungi. Compare mycobiont.