Usnea Cartilage Lichen

Ramalina usnea is a species of corticolous (bark-dwelling), fruticose lichen in the family Ramalinaceae. It grows on tree bark across the Americas and parts of East Africa. Growing up to 30 cm (12 in) long, it forms pale greenish-grey branching strands that darken when dry. The species is highly adaptable: it forms coarse, flattened branches in foggy environments and develops finer, more delicate forms in humid coastal areas. First described by Carl Linnaeus in 1767, it underwent a few taxonomic revisions until Reginald Heber Howe, Jr. established its current name in 1914. Unlike many lichens that grow primarily at their tips, R.

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Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Usnea Cartilage Lichen 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

• Usnea trichodea
• Usnea articulata
• Usnea barbata
• Usnea cavernosa
• Ramalina thrausta
• Ramalina menziesii

Classification

Kingdom

Fungi

Phylum

Ascomycota

Class

Lecanoromycetes

Order

Lecanorales

Family

Ramalinaceae

Genus

Ramalina

Species

Ramalina usnea

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