''Parmotrema stuppuem'' is a
corticolous (bark-dwelling),
foliose lichen
Foliose lichen is one of the morphological classes of lichens, which are complex organisms that arise from the symbiotic relationship between fungi and a photosynthetic partner, typically algae. This partnership allows lichen to live in diverse ...
that belongs to the large family
Parmeliaceae
The Parmeliaceae is a large and diverse family of Lecanoromycetes. With over 2700 species in 71 genera, it is the largest family of lichen-forming fungi. The most speciose genera in the family are the well-known groups: '' Xanthoparmelia'' ( 822 ...
. The lichen is
commonly known as the powder-edged ruffle lichen and is listed as apparently secure by
the Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global environmental organization headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. it works via affiliates or branches in 79 countries and territories, as well as across every state in the US.
Founded in 1951, The Natu ...
.
Description
''Parmotrema stuppuem'' grows to around 2–20 cm in diameter with broad, dull, smooth gray lobes that are 4–8 mm wide. The underside is black and brown with a central collection of simple
rhizines.
Habitat and range
''Parmotrema stuppuem'' has a
pantropical
A pantropical ("all tropics") distribution is one which covers Tropics, tropical regions of both hemispheres. Examples of species include caecilians, modern sirenians and the plant genera ''Acacia'' and ''Bacopa''.
''Neotropical'' is a zoogeogra ...
and pan
temperate
In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout t ...
distribution, and is found across North America with a majority of samples being collected in and around the
Great Lakes
The Great Lakes, also called the Great Lakes of North America, are a series of large interconnected freshwater lakes in the mid-east region of North America that connect to the Atlantic Ocean via the Saint Lawrence River. There are five lakes ...
region of the United States.
In Mexico, ''P. stuppeum'' is one of the most common foliose lichens found at intermediate to fairly high elevations in the mountains. It also occurs in Europe, southern Africa, southern Asia, and Central America.
Chemistry
Antioxidant
Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals. This can lead to polymerization and other chain reactions. They are frequently added to industrial products, such as fuels and lubricant ...
s have been extracted from ''Parmotrema stuppuem''. Additionally the lichen is a promising host for the development of
antibacterial
An antibiotic is a type of antimicrobial substance active against bacteria. It is the most important type of antibacterial agent for fighting bacterial infections, and antibiotic medications are widely used in the treatment and prevention of ...
compounds.
See also
*
List of ''Parmotrema'' species
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q10620935
stuppuem
Lichen species
Taxa named by Thomas Taylor (botanist)
Lichens described in 1847
Lichens of North America
Lichens of Asia
Lichens of Central America
Lichens of Europe
Lichens of Southern Africa