Light and electron microscopic investigations in the Dictyonemataceae (basidiolichens). II. Dictyonema irpicinum

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Abstract
The nature of the fungus–alga association between the lichen-forming basidiomycete Dictyonema irpicinum Mont. and its Scytonema host was investigated using light and electron microscopical techniques. The lichen-like basidiocarp is established as a result of the active capture of free-living Scytonema sp. trichomes by the fungal symbiont. A septate, intracellular haustorial hypha is produced by the basidiomycetous fungus within the filamentous blue-green alga. This specialized haustorial apparatus appears to enhance the survivorship of the otherwise ephemeral fungus, allowing it to maintain a long-term, stable association with the algal host.