hypothallus

fungal structure

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June 29, 2026

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The term "hypothallus" has two primary meanings. In crustose lichens, it refers to a marginal outgrowth of hyphae from the thallus. In slime molds of the class Myxomycetes, it describes a film-like residue that remains after the formation of sporangia. The thallus itself, in fungi, is typically composed of hyphae, which are tubular cells that can be continuous or divided by cross walls called septa. These hyphae form the main body of the fungus.12

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fungus
Form and function of lichens
Crustose lichens may have a hypothallus—i.e., an algal-free mat of hyphae extending beyond the margin of the regular thallus. Crustose form varies: granular types such as Lepraria, for example, have no organized thalloid structure; but some Lecanora species have highly organized thalli, with lobes that resemble foliose lichens lacking a…
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Crustose lichens may have a hypothallus—i.e., an algal-free mat of hyphae extending beyond the margin of the regular thallus. Crustose form varies: granular types such as Lepraria, for example, have no organized thalloid structure; but some Lecanora species have highly organized thalli, with lobes that resemble foliose lichens lacking a…
Read More