noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
A composite organism of algae or cyanobacteria living among filaments of fungi. Used in biological and everyday contexts.
岩の表面に地衣が生えている。
Lichen is growing on the surface of the rock.
地衣類は大気汚染の指標として使われる。
Lichens are used as indicators of air pollution.
苔 is moss, a small green plant, while 地衣 is lichen, a symbiotic organism often found on rocks and trees.
From 地 (earth, ground) and 衣 (clothing, covering), referring to something that clothes the ground. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.