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kidney lichen
Scientific Name: Nephroma parile
Family: Nephromataceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Kidney Lichen (Nephroma)
Nephroma is a genus of foliose lichens, commonly referred to as kidney lichens due to their kidney-like shape. These lichens have a wide distribution and encompass approximately 36 different species.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Some Nephroma species are described as having a fuzzy texture.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Nephroma
- Common Names: Kidney Lichen (general), Arctic Kidney Lichen (Nephroma arcticum), Swiss Kidney Lichen (Nephroma helveticum), Pimpled Kidney Lichen (Nephroma resupinatum), Naked Kidney Lichen/Cat Paw Lichen (Nephroma bellum), Mustard Kidney Lichen (Nephroma laevigatum).
- Family: Nephromataceae
- Kingdom: Fungi
- Synonyms: Fringed Kidney Lichen (synonymous with Swiss Kidney Lichen)
Distribution and Habitat
- Nephroma has a widespread distribution.
- Nephroma arcticum is found in Arctic regions, including Abisko National Park in Sweden and Syte, Finland.
- Nephroma laevigatum has been observed growing on trees in Inverness-shire, Scotland.
- Observed in Denali National Park.
Morphological Characteristics
- Nephroma arcticum: Large thallus, yellowish-green when dry, bright green when wet. Broad, flat, gray bumps on the surface contain cyanobacteria. Lower surface is pale tan.
- Nephroma resupinatum: Grayish-brown, fuzzy lichen with apothecia on the undersides of the lobes.
- Medium-sized thallus, upper surface brown to grayish-brown, lobe tips with woolly appearance. Lower surface pale, fuzzy with scattered whitish bumps.
- Leafy lichens with a jelly-like thallus when wet, that shrink when dry.
Traditional Uses
- A medicinal tea is made from Nephroma arcticum, reputed to restore strength to a weakened person.