A method has been described by means of which the initial stages of a laboratory controlled synthesis were effected between the previously isolated fungal and algal components of Lecanora dispersa (Pers.) Rohl. These initial stages included the wrapping around of algal cells by the fungal hyphae and the formation of appressorium-like structures. These unions took place only on a solid, non-nutrient substrate. There was no evidence of a directed growth of the fungus to the algal cells.