National Park Service Klamath Network Featured Creature U.S. Department of the Interior

Natural Resource Stewardship & Science Klamath Network Tree Lungwort September 2018 Lobaria pulmonaria Field Notes shrubs, and despite its name, on mossy Fun Facts rocks, attached by fuzzy root-like  structures growing from its lower surface. pseudoscientific concept dating to the Identification 1500s, states that a plant may have curative powers based on its similarity The fungus, green algae, and to human body parts, organs or fluids. cyanobacteria in tree lungwort are in Tree lungwort gets part of its common distinct layers or small structures name from its superficial resemblance throughout the body, or thallus, of the to lung tissue. lichen. The thallus is leafy with roughened ridges and smooth depressions on its  Linnaeus classified lichens as lower Tree l upper surface. The algae live in a layer rustici Photo courtesy Jason Hollinger. near the upper surface surrounded by (poor trash) of vegetation. fungal tissue, and the cyanobacteria live in General Description the lower layers in small, internal, gall-like  In Switzerland, tree lungwort is a We all have favorite charismatic megafauna, structures called cephalodia. Its underside protected species. A major corporation but what about enigmatic microflora do you is tan and covered with fine, short, velvety is applying for a collecting permit to have a favorite? Lobaria pulmonaria is in a hairs. The thallus changes color in harvest it for a cough syrup recipe. group of enigmatic microflora called relation to sun exposure and moisture cyanolichens. These lichenized-fungi have status: bright green when saturated, tan, Conservation cyanobacteria either as the sole brown or gray when dry. In young forests, maintain a mix of species photosynthetic partner in the lichen or as an and ages, including mature trees, and Reproduction additional partner with green algae. maintain nearby old-growth forests. Tree Scientifically, tree lungwort is grouped with Reproduction is mostly asexual via lungwort thrives best in older stands that are other lichens in the Fungi kingdom, so it is diaspores, tiny vegetative propagules shady and cool. These areas are beautiful named after the fungal partner; however, all (clones) containing both algal and fungal and majestic forests, worthy of protection in lichens are more like small ecosystems than cells, or by fragmentation of the thallus. their own right. - Dispersal mechanisms vary, including by organisms in a stunning variety of wind, rain, and animals. Sexual Where to see shapes, sizes, and colors with a multitude of reproduction is via fungal spores coming In the Klamath Network, Lobaria parts and functions. from reddish-brown disc shaped pulmonaria occurs at Crater Lake NP, structures sometimes seen on the upper Redwood NSP, and Oregon Caves NMP, but Habitat and Distribution surface of the thallus. Once established on has no documentation at Lassen Volcanic A member of the family Lobariaceae, tree a substrate, growth is slow. NP or Whiskeytown NRA. Lobaria lichens lungwort has worldwide distribution, are unlikely to grow at Lava Beds NM. thriving best in moist climates. The Pacific Ecology Northwest is home to six Lobaria species, of Tree lungwort, with its cyanobacteria, More Information which L. pulmonaria is the most widespread. absorbs nitrogen from the atmosphere McCune, B. and L. Geiser. 2009. In the eastern Cascades it is more likely to and turns it into forms that it and other Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest. 2nd ed. thrive in old-growth forests; look for it in plants and animals can use. Nitrogen Oregon State University Press, Corvallis, OR. sheltered narrow valleys and riparian zones. absorption is moisture and pH In the western Cascades you may find it on dependent, making lungwort a good air https://www.waysofenlichenment.net/essays/ young and old hardwood trees, less often on quality indicator, and important to readings_2_nameless.pdf conifers. In any of these places, it may grow nutrient cycles in forested ecosystems. https://www.waldwissen.net/wald/naturschu on tree trunks, in humid tree canopies, on tz/arten/wsl_lungenflechte/index_EN

EXPERIENCE YOUR AMERICATM Pre pared by Kasey Roli h September 21, 2018