Umbilicaria spp. Hoffm. - Rock Tripe


 

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Umbilicaria sp. - (image 1 of 4)

 

Taxonomy

Phyllum: Ascomycta

 

Family: Umbilicariaceae

 

 

Habitat

On rocks in dry or moist, open woods. Intolerant of air pollution.

Associates

 

 Distribution

Arctic south to the northern U.S. and further south in mountains

Morphology

Umbilicate foliose lichens. Thallus pale or dark gray to olive-brown above, darker below, shiny or dull, forming loose, circular patches on rocks. Brittle when dry, becoming leathery when wet

Notes

There are many species of Umbilicaria and there are probably two separate species pictured here. Rock Tripes are known as a survival food, though reputedly not very palatable; they can be eaten after they are boiled for about 1 hr. 

References

Peterson, L. A. 1977. A Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America.

Houghton Mifflin Company. New York, NY

 


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 Michael Hough © 2009