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Lobaria pulmonaria: A Detailed Look

Lobaria pulmonaria, commonly known as tree lungwort, lung lichen, lung moss, or oak lungs, is a fascinating lichen with a unique history and ecological role. This distinctive lichen is a composite organism containing three different species and is an indicator of ancient forests.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Lobaria pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.
• Synonym: Sticta pulmonaria (L.) Biroli
• Common Names: Tree lungwort, lung lichen, lung moss, oak lungs, oak lungwort, lungwort lichen
• Family: Lobariaceae
• Group: Lichen

Distribution and Habitat

• Lobaria pulmonaria is widely distributed in the northern part of the northern hemisphere.
• It is found in North America and Europe, including the UK, Norway and Scotland.
• It typically grows on tree bark and mossy rocks, particularly on old deciduous trees.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Lobaria pulmonaria is a large, bright green, leaf-like lichen.
• It is a foliose lichen, meaning it has a lobed, leaf-like structure.
• The upper surface is veined with a pattern of ridges and depressions, resembling lung tissue or lettuce leaves.
• The genus Lobaria can measure up to six inches across.
• It forms dense bunches on dead trunks.

Ecological Role

• Lobaria pulmonaria is an indicator species of ancient forests.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lobaria pulmonaria is an epiphytic lichen, meaning it grows on other plants (specifically trees) for support but does not harm them.
• It exists in a symbiotic relationship with a green algal partner and a cyanobacterium, involving members of three kingdoms of organisms.
• Bacterial taxa are associated with the lichen.

Further Information

• Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Lobaria pulmonaria.