The lichen's body is formed from filaments of the fungal partner.

Further, the same algal species can occur in association with different fungal partners.

The photosynthetic partner can exist in nature independently of the fungal partner, but not vice versa.

The carbohydrates move from their source (usually leaves) to the root and then to the fungal partner.

The fungal partners may also help plant-to-plant transfer of sugars and other nutrients.

The carbohydrates are translocated from their source (usually leaves) to root tissue and on to the plant's fungal partners.

The efficiency of many plants' roots is increased via a symbiotic relationship with a fungal partner.

Around 42% of the Ascomycota (about 18,000 species) form lichens, and almost all the fungal partners of lichens belong to the Ascomycota.

The interface between the plant and fungal partners in this association is between the roots of the plant and the mycelium of the fungus.

The fungal partners may also mediate plant-to-plant transfer of carbohydrates and other nutrients.