Crossword Genius

Verbally compare fungus with algae (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lichen

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'fungus with algae' is the definition.
I know that both 'fungus' and 'algae' relate to this answer.

'verbally compare' is the wordplay.
'verbally' shows a homophone (sound like).
'compare' becomes 'liken' (synonyms).
'liken' is a homophone of 'LICHEN'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for lichen that I've seen before include "Compound plant of fungus and alga" , "Tiny plants growing on rocks and treetrunks" , "Simple plant often found growing on rocks" , "Plants found on tree trunks etc" , "reindeer nibbles" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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