No images found for this plant ID: 30017.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "30017" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
Swiss kidney lichen
Scientific Name: Nephroma helveticum ssp. helveticum
Family: Nephromataceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Nephroma helveticum
Common names include Swiss kidney lichen and Fringed kidney lichen.
Considerations for Pets
- As a lichen, Nephroma helveticum could potentially be ingested by pets, especially if found on rocks or trees in accessible areas.
Considerations for Children
- Lichens may be found in areas accessible to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Phylum: Ascomycota
- Class: Lecanoromycetes
- Order: Not explicitly mentioned in the text but implied to exist within the classification.
- Family: Nephromataceae
- Synonyms: Fringed Kidney Lichen
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
- Nephroma helveticum ssp. helveticum is also mentioned as a subspecies.
- Alternative Scientific Name: Nephroma bellum (for Naked Kidney Lichen/Cat Paw Lichen)
General Information
- Symbol: NEHE4, NEHEH
- Group: Lichen
- Growth Habit: Lichenous
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus Nephroma has a widespread distribution.
- Specific mention of its presence in Switzerland.
- Observed in Silver Falls State Park (Oregon).
- Observed in Queensland, Australia.
Morphological Characteristics
- Nephroma is a genus of medium to large foliose lichens.
- Nephroma bellum is described as a medium to large stratified foliose cyanolichen.
- Kidney lichens are named after the characteristic kidney-shaped apothecia.
Quirky Facts
- Lichens belonging to the Nephroma genus are sometimes called kidney lichens, alluding to their kidney-shaped apothecia.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens, including Nephroma species, can serve as food for animals like caribou.
- Mention of study on In vivo Antitumoral Effect of Diffractaic Acid from Lichen Metabolites on Swiss.
Further Information
- Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
- Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, National Herbarium of Victoria
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology ETH Zurich, Switzerland