description Umbilicaria vellea Overview
Umbilicaria vellea is a foliose lichen in the genus Umbilicaria that grows attached to exposed rock. Its broad, leathery thallus is held to the substrate by a single central attachment point, a structure described as umbilicate and responsible for the common comparison with an umbrella. The species is associated with cold, mountainous, or otherwise harsh rocky environments and is studied as a rock-dwelling lichen.
help Umbilicaria vellea FAQ
Why is Umbilicaria vellea called an umbilicate lichen?
Its foliose thallus attaches to rock at a single central point, resembling an umbilicus or navel. That central holdfast lets the broad, leathery lobes spread outward over exposed rock.
Where does Umbilicaria vellea grow?
Umbilicaria vellea grows on noncalcareous rock, especially in arctic-alpine, subalpine, and other cool exposed habitats. In North America it is associated with higher latitudes and elevations than some related rock-tripe species.
Is Umbilicaria vellea a foliose or fruticose lichen?
It is foliose, with broad leaf-like lobes rather than upright branches. The leathery, flattened thallus is a useful contrast with fruticose genera such as Cladonia and Teloschistes.
Does Umbilicaria vellea grow in soil like Cladonia rangiformis?
No, Umbilicaria vellea is primarily saxicolous, meaning it grows attached to rock. Cladonia rangiformis is a ground-growing Cladonia with branched podetia, so the substrate and overall shape separate the two.
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