Kalk-landkortlav
Rhizocarpon umbilicatum
Kalk-landkortlav (Rhizocarpon umbilicatum) is a crustose lichen species that forms distinctive yellowish-green to gray crusty patches on rock surfaces. This slow-growing lichen plays a crucial ecological role in primary succession, helping to break down rock substrates and create soil conditions for other organisms to establish.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Rhizocarpales
Family
Rhizocarpaceae
Genus
Rhizocarpon
Kalk-landkortlav belongs to the family Rhizocarpaceae, order Rhizocarpales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Kalk-landkortlav (Rhizocarpon umbilicatum) is a crustose lichen species that forms distinctive yellowish-green to gray crusty patches on rock surfaces. This slow-growing lichen plays a crucial ecological role in primary succession, helping to break down rock substrates and create soil conditions for other organisms to establish.
Rhizocarpon umbilicatum, a crustose lichen species, faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized calcareous rock substrates. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, significantly impacts this pollution-sensitive species by altering the chemical composition of its rocky habitat and disrupting its symbiotic relationship.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Rhizocarpon umbilicatum grows exclusively on calcareous rocks and limestone outcrops in exposed, well-lit environments. The species typically colonizes stable rock faces, boulder fields, and cliff surfaces where it can access direct sunlight while remaining protected from excessive moisture accumulation.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Rhizocarpon umbilicatum, a crustose lichen species, faces severe decline primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized calcareous rock substrates. Air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and acid rain, significantly impacts this pollution-sensitive species by altering the chemical composition of its rocky habitat and disrupting its symbiotic relationship.
Air pollution and acid deposition
Habitat loss and quarrying of limestone substrates
Nitrogen deposition altering substrate chemistry
Climate change affecting moisture regimes
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
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). Kalk-landkortlav (Rhizocarpon umbilicatum). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kalk-landkortlav