Nephroma laevigatum #

Taxon #

Nephroma laevigatum

Organization #

Kidney Lichens, Peltigerales

Identification #

Nephroma laevigatum is readily distinguished in the field by the bright yellow medulla. The foliose thalli are dark grayish brown on the upper surface and light brown below. N. laevigatum lacks soredia and isidia; the small lobules along the lobe margins can mimic isidia. Often with abundant brownish apothecia. Some species of Pseudocyphellaria have yellow medullas and brown upper surfaces but they have true cyphellae on their lower surfaces.

Substrate #

Corticolous, ramicolous, terricolous, saxiolous (CLH)

Chemical Tests #

Medulla: K+ “reddish purple” (Brodo et al. 2001)

Notes #

Probably ranging at least as far north as the Matanuska River. Common from Juneau southward (CLH).