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kidney lichen

Scientific Name: Nephroma laevigatum

Family: Nephromataceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Kidney Lichens: Exploring the Genus *Nephroma*

The genus *Nephroma* comprises medium to large foliose (leaf-like) lichens with a widespread distribution. These lichens are sometimes referred to as kidney lichens due to their characteristic shape.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species have a fuzzy or woolly appearance, which might be interesting to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species have bumps on the surface.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: *Nephroma*
  • Common Names: Kidney Lichen
  • Family: Nephromataceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi

Species and Synonyms

  • Mentioned species include:
    • *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)
    • *Nephroma parile* (Powdery kidney lichen)
  • Synonyms include:
    • Fringed Kidney Lichen for *Nephroma helveticum*
    • Cat Paw Lichen for *Nephroma bellum*

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus *Nephroma* has a widespread distribution.
  • *Nephroma arcticum* is found in Arctic regions, including Abisko National Park in Sweden, Syte, Finland and Denali National Park.
  • *Nephroma laevigatum* can be found in Inverness-shire, Scotland.

Morphological Characteristics

  • *Nephroma* lichens are foliose, meaning they have a leafy structure.
  • When wet, the thallus (lichen body) of some species becomes jelly-like. When dry, it shrinks.
  • *Nephroma resupinatum* is grayish-brown and fuzzy, with apothecia (fruiting bodies) on the undersides of the lobes.
  • *Nephroma arcticum* has a yellowish-green thallus when dry and a bright green thallus when wet. It features broad, flat, gray bumps on the surface containing cyanobacteria.
  • Some species have lobe tips with a woolly appearance and a pale, fuzzy lower surface with scattered whitish bumps.

Traditional Uses

  • A medicinal tea is made from *Nephroma arcticum*, reputed to restore strength to a weakened person.

Quirky Facts

  • Lichens are like fungi that have discovered farming.

Further Resources

  • USDA Plants Database
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Alberta Wild Species General