https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/189090464
For the final observation, I have found an interesting fungi called cabbage lungwort or lung lichen yesterday while on a walk with my family in the Mendenhall Campgrounds. As you can probably see from the photos, the organism gets its name from its visual similarities to lung tissue and/or the leaf pattern of the savoy cabbage plant (Brassica oleracea). When I observed the plant, it was overcast, as usual, and the temperature was just above freezing but the lichen must be able to withstand colder climates very well since it still maintains its vibrant green color and still appears to be alive. Its scientific name is Lobaria pulmonaria but it is often mistaken for Lobaria oregano, also known as lettuce lichen or Oregon lungwort, because the fungi can be found in other parts of North America, Asia, and Europe. They usually naturally occur on forest trees and rocks in undisturbed, humid areas. According to the US Forest Service, they are ecologically beneficial for nearly any environment, not only because they are a vital food source and foraging material for all kinds of wild animals, but because “it is also a type of cyanolichen, which means that it contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria. When these lichens fall to the ground after a storm or wind event, they decompose into the forest floor, contributing their nitrogen reserve to the soil” (DeLay). Additionally, after doing some further research, I discovered that humans have historically used lungwort in many different geographic locations to treat respiratory illnesses such as asthma, tuberculosis, and more–the fungi serves other purposes as well and can make potent dyes and teas.
Works Cited
DeLay, Chantelle. “Lungwort, Lung Lichen (Lobaria Pulmonaria (L.) Hoffm.).” US Forest Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 2020, www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/lobaria_pulmonaria.shtml. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.
Comentarios
That picture is fantastic; I thought you just took a close-up shot of a leaf. I would have been fooled from a distance and thought nothing of the spices. It's called cabbage lungwort, which makes sense because it resembles a cabbage leaf. Being named after cabbage I can see, but also lung tissue. I would never have suspected that; maybe if it was flesh color, I don't know; now I have to look up lung tissue to see. There's a lettuce lichen, too; how many fungi are named after vegetables? One is crazing enough, but two, I'm learning so much about fungi today. It's also interesting how this cabbage lungwort benefits the natural world with its decompensation, considering a lot of fungi do the decompensation. The lungwort I found also could be used to make dye; it must be common for them. Anyway, thanks for sharing such an interesting species for your final observation.
Oh wow, stumbling upon the cabbage lungwort during your family walk sounds like a delightful discovery! The resemblance to lung tissue is always a fun fact to share. And yes, the savoy cabbage connection makes sense! Nature is such an artist, isn't it?
The part about them being cold-resistant is super interesting. Just above freezing, and still that vibrant green? Mother Nature never ceases to amaze.
I'm absolutely fascinated by the ecological impact you mentioned! The idea that they're nitrogen-boosters for the forest floor is just... wow. Nature's very own fertilizer! And the historical human uses? Who would've thought that something that looks like lung tissue would be used for respiratory issues? Sometimes, it feels like nature is trying to tell us something, if we would only listen, perhaps we could find health and healing in a more natural way.
I am so fascinated to hear the cabbage lungwort not only looks like the lungs, but is beneficial to the lungs. I have recently been researching the "Doctrine of Signatures" which is a concept that proposes that many fruits, vegetables, and other edible plants resemble the body part that they benefit most. There is a plethora of examples, such as walnuts looking like a brain, ginger looking like a stomach, tomatoes looking like a heart, carrots looking like the human eye, mushrooms looking like the ears, and many more. Your observation is just another example of how nature takes care of us. It was also very cool to hear about the beneficial bacteria carried by the cabbage lungwort! This is a very intriguing plant that I would love to catch sight of here in Juneau!
Hello Lexi;
What fascinating fungi have you found: cabbage lungwort or lung lichen? I don't think I have ever seen this kind of lichen before. You said you live in Juneau, and I live in Sitka, so possibly it grows here. I will have to keep my eyes peeled for it. I have an avocado that I started from seed four or five years ago and is as tall as my ceiling. One of the most essential nutrients I can give it is nitrogen. The way I have learned is by adding coffee grounds. Could this cabbage lungwort or lung lichen be used to strengthen the soil because it "contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria?" The other thought I had was the medical use you brought up, "to treat respiratory illnesses such as asthma, tuberculosis," how do they use it? Do they drink it in tea? I know the herb mullein that grows wild in Ireland they used for respiratory illnesses, but they smoke it, which I highly recommend against doing.
Thank you for bringing a new fungi to my attention,
Gayleen
Wow! Your observation of cabbage lungwort is fascinating! I have never heard of it before but the image sure does look familiar. It’s amazing it possesses such unique properties like aiding with respiratory illness. I’m continually amazed by the unique and interesting organisms found right outside my door. I find it very fitting that the name for the lichen comes from its visual similarity to lung tissue and it possesses qualities to treat lung ailments. Maybe that was intentional, but if not it’s quite the coincidence. Thank you for sharing this lichen! Now I can put a name to the organism the next time I spot it.
Agregar un comentario