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Swiss kidney lichen

Scientific Name: Nephroma helveticum

Family: Nephromataceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Swiss Kidney Lichen (Nephroma helveticum)

The Swiss Kidney Lichen, scientifically known as Nephroma helveticum, is a fascinating lichen species belonging to the Nephromataceae family.

Considerations for Pets

  • Mention of "cat paw lichen" in reference to another species (Nephroma bellum) might suggest that the texture or appearance of these lichens could be interesting to cats or other pets.

Considerations for Children

  • As a lichen, Swiss Kidney Lichen may be found on rocks or trees, potentially within reach of children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Nephroma helveticum Ach.
  • Common Names: Swiss Kidney Lichen, Fringed Kidney Lichen. Other species in the genus Nephroma are referred to as Naked Kidney Lichen, Cat Paw Lichen, Seaside Kidney, and Smooth Swiss Lichen.
  • Synonyms: The text mentions Nephroma helveticum ssp. helveticum.
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Phylum: Ascomycota
  • Class: Lecanoromycetes
  • Order: The order is not fully specified in the text, but based on the provided classification, it falls within Lecanoromycetes.
  • Family: Nephromataceae

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Nephroma has a widespread distribution.
  • One record indicates its presence in Queensland, Australia.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Swiss Kidney Lichen is a lichenous species, meaning it grows in a lichen-like form.
  • Nephroma is a genus of medium to large foliose lichens, meaning they have a leafy, flattened structure.

Quirky Facts

  • The reference to "kidney lichens" stems from the characteristic kidney-shaped apothecia (fruiting bodies) found in some species.
  • Lichens have been historically studied in the context of analgesic nephropathy, which is kidney damage caused by pain medications.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions a study on the "In vivo Antitumoral Effect of Diffractaic Acid from Lichen Metabolites on Swiss" mice, indicating potential medicinal properties and interactions with animal physiology.

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • LSID JSON data links
  • Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, National Herbarium of Victoria
  • Recent Literature on Lichens