No images found for this plant ID: 30001.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "30001" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
kidney lichen
Scientific Name: Nephroma expallidum
Family: Nephromataceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
About Nephroma Lichens
Nephroma is a genus of medium to large foliose (leaf-like) lichens with a widespread distribution. There are currently 36 recognized species within the genus.
Common Names
- Kidney lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Nephroma
- Family: Nephromataceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus has a widespread distribution.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Abisko National Park, Sweden
- Syte, Finland
- Inverness-shire, Scotland
- Denali National Park
Morphological Characteristics
- Nephroma resupinatum (Pimpled Kidney Lichen): Grayish-brown, fuzzy lichen with apothecia (fruiting bodies) on the undersides of the lobes.
- Nephroma arcticum (Arctic Kidney Lichen):
- Large thallus (body) yellowish-green when dry, bright green when wet.
- Broad, flat, gray bumps on the surface that contain cyanobacteria.
- Medium-sized thallus with brown to grayish-brown upper surface and lobe tips with a woolly appearance. Lower surface pale and fuzzy with scattered whitish bumps.
Nephroma Species: Examples
- Nephroma arcticum: Arctic Kidney Lichen.
- Nephroma bellum: Naked Kidney Lichen, Cat Paw Lichen.
- Nephroma helveticum: Swiss Kidney Lichen, Fringed Kidney Lichen.
- Nephroma laevigatum: Mustard Kidney Lichen.
- Nephroma resupinatum: Pimpled Kidney Lichen.
Traditional Uses
- A medicinal tea is made from Nephroma arcticum, and it is reputed to restore strength to a person who is weak.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Nephroma arcticum is part of the Alaska Forest Foodweb.
- Lichens are described as fungi that have "discovered farming," implying a symbiotic relationship with algae or cyanobacteria.
Further Information
- USDA Plants Database.
- Wikimedia Commons.