MUSHROONS, FUNGUS & LICHEN
The key differencebetween fungi and lichen is that fungi are simple heterotrophic organisms while lichen is a composite symbiotic organism that forms from algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of multiple fungi species. They are a lot more than simply mould and mystique. There is a lot more to each of these. If you want to learn more, have a look at the links below.
Something that becomes apparent when trying to identify all these as an amateur is that there can be variations in form and colour within species and this confuses the experts too.
Do not attempt to eat them without absolute assurance of accurate identifification. Many are posionous.
BRITISH LICHEN SOCIETY : https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-fungi-and-lichens/
BYJUS : This has a handy comparion table : https://byjus.com/biology/difference-between-fungi-and-lichens/
MUSHROOM DIARY : A very good overview on mushroom identification : https://www.mushroomdiary.co.uk/mushroom-identification/
VENDATU : https://www.vedantu.com/biology/difference-between-fungi-and-lichens
WILDFOOD UK : An excellent and comprehensive identification list : https://www.wildfooduk.com/mushroom-guide/
WOODLAND TRUST : https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/
