Megalaria grossa
Local name: ädellav
Megalaria grossa, commonly known as ädellav, is a crustose lichen species characterized by its thick, warty thallus that forms grayish-white to pale yellow crusty patches on bark surfaces. This slow-growing epiphytic lichen plays a crucial ecological role as a pioneer species in forest ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates while serving as an indicator of air quality and forest health.
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Steve Kerr, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Kerr
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Ramalinaceae
Genus
Megalaria
Megalaria grossa belongs to the family Ramalinaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Megalaria grossa, commonly known as ädellav, is a crustose lichen species characterized by its thick, warty thallus that forms grayish-white to pale yellow crusty patches on bark surfaces. This slow-growing epiphytic lichen plays a crucial ecological role as a pioneer species in forest ecosystems, contributing to nutrient cycling and providing microhabitat for invertebrates while serving as an indicator of air quality and forest health.
Megalaria grossa faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest degradation in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its specialized ecological requirements and small population size, making it highly susceptible to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Ädellav typically colonizes the bark of mature deciduous trees, particularly favoring the slightly acidic bark of oak, beech, and maple trees in old-growth and semi-natural forests. The species requires stable microclimatic conditions with consistent humidity levels and minimal air pollution, often found in forest interiors away from urban and agricultural influences.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
Megalaria grossa faces severe population declines primarily due to habitat loss from deforestation and forest degradation in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its specialized ecological requirements and small population size, making it highly susceptible to environmental changes and human disturbance.
Deforestation and habitat loss
Forest degradation from logging
Air pollution affecting lichen substrates
Climate change affecting suitable habitat
Small population size and genetic bottlenecks
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Megalaria grossa (Megalaria grossa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/adellav