Lobaria pulmonaria

Lobaria pulmonaria, commonly known as "lungwort," is a large, leafy lichen that belongs to the family Lobariaceae. It is found in various parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa, thriving in moist, temperate rainforests. Lobaria pulmonaria is notable for its symbiotic relationship between a fungus and one or more algae or cyanobacteria, which allows it to live in diverse environments, from tree trunks to rocks.

Description

Lobaria pulmonaria is easily recognizable by its large, green, lobed thallus, which can grow up to 20-30 cm in diameter. The upper surface is green and dotted with pseudocyphellae (small, white, pore-like structures), while the lower surface is typically a lighter color and may have a network of ridges and grooves. This lichen reproduces both sexually, through the production of spores from its fungal partner, and asexually, via soredia or isidia, which are small propagules that contain both fungal and algal cells.

Habitat and Distribution

Lobaria pulmonaria prefers humid, shaded environments and is often found on the bark of old, broadleaf trees, such as oak, elm, and maple, or less frequently on rocks. It is sensitive to air pollution and habitat destruction, which has led to a decline in its population in many areas. As a result, it is considered an indicator species for ancient forests and high-quality air.

Ecological Role

This lichen plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, contributing to the nitrogen cycle by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by plants. It also provides habitat and food for various invertebrates and serves as a nesting material for some bird species.

Conservation

Due to its sensitivity to environmental changes, Lobaria pulmonaria is protected in several regions and is the subject of conservation efforts aimed at preserving its habitats. These efforts include monitoring air quality, managing forests to maintain suitable host trees, and in some cases, transplanting lichens to suitable habitats.

Uses

Historically, Lobaria pulmonaria has been used in traditional medicine for treating respiratory ailments, based on the doctrine of signatures, which held that herbs resembling parts of the body could be used to treat ailments of those body parts. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support these medicinal uses.

See Also

• Lichen
• Symbiosis
• Conservation biology
• Traditional medicine