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kidney lichen

Scientific Name: Nephroma occultum

Family: Nephromataceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Kidney Lichens: Genus Nephroma

Nephroma is a genus of foliose (leafy) lichens, ranging from medium to large in size. These lichens have a widespread distribution and include approximately 36 different species.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Nephroma species have a fuzzy or woolly appearance, which might attract attention from curious pets.

Common Names

  • Kidney Lichen (general common name)
  • Arctic Kidney Lichen (Nephroma arcticum)
  • Pimpled Kidney Lichen (Nephroma resupinatum)
  • Swiss Kidney Lichen (Nephroma helveticum)
  • Naked Kidney Lichen, Cat Paw Lichen (Nephroma bellum)
  • Mustard Kidney Lichen (Nephroma laevigatum)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Nephroma Ach.
  • Family: Nephromataceae
  • Kingdom: Fungi
  • Synonyms: Fringed Kidney Lichen (synonym for Swiss Kidney Lichen Nephroma helveticum)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Nephroma has a widespread distribution.
  • Nephroma arcticum can be found in Arctic regions, such as Lapland (Sweden) and Finland.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Abisko National Park in Sweden, Denali National Park (Thorofare Ridge), and Inverness-shire, Scotland.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Nephroma resupinatum is a grayish-brown, fuzzy lichen with apothecia (fruiting bodies) on the undersides of the lobes.
  • Nephroma arcticum has a large thallus (body) that is yellowish-green when dry and bright green when wet. It features broad, flat, gray bumps on the surface that contain cyanobacteria.
  • Other Nephroma species can exhibit a brown to grayish-brown upper surface with woolly lobe tips. The lower surface is often pale and fuzzy with scattered whitish bumps.
  • Leafy lichens with a jelly-like thallus when wet, that shrink and become powdery when dry

Traditional Uses

  • A medicinal tea is made from Nephroma arcticum and is believed to restore strength in weak individuals.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Nephroma arcticum grows alongside Reindeer lichen.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA Plants Database (no range map provided for Nephroma arcticum)
  • naturebob.com (Bob Armstrong's Photos)
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Alamy Stock Photos
  • Gettys Images
  • Alberta Wild Species General