Stygian Black-parmelia

Melanelia stygia, the alpine camouflage lichen, is a species of lichen in the family Parmeliaceae. The dark-coloured lichen, first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, forms leafy growths on rocks in arctic and alpine regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere. The lichen has a dark brown to black, glossy surface with narrow, overlapping lobes and tiny pores called pseudocyphellae scattered across its surface. It is a slow-growing species well-adapted to harsh mountain environments, where it is commonly found on non-calcareous rocks at high elevations. While it tolerates extreme cold conditions, climate change may pose a threat to its survival.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Stygian Black-parmelia being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Montanelia disjuncta
• Melanelia hepatizon
• Montanelia sorediata
• Anaptychia runcinata
• Xanthoparmelia loxodes
• Phaeophyscia sciastra

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Lecanorales

Family

Parmeliaceae

Genus

Melanelia

Species

Melanelia stygia

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