Lobaria amplissima

Lobaria amplissima is a large foliose lichen in the family Lobariaceae. Its broad, rounded lobes form a leafy thallus that is much larger and more structured than a crustose lichen.

It favors humid, oceanic habitats and commonly grows on the bark of mature trees. Its distribution includes parts of Europe and Atlantic island regions with suitable moist climates.

Large Lobaria species can indicate continuity of humid, mature woodland and relatively clean air because they grow slowly and are sensitive to habitat disruption. Finding Lobaria amplissima on old trees therefore provides ecological information beyond the identity of the individual lichen.

Lobaria amplissima is primarily associated with humid oceanic habitats in Europe and the Atlantic region, while Lobaria oregana is strongly associated with mature conifer forests in western North America. Both have broad foliose lobes, but their natural ranges and forest contexts are different.