Tree Flute Lichen
VU

Tree Flute Lichen

Menegazzia subsimilis

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menegazzia_subsimilis

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Tree Flute Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its sensitive epiphytic environment. Old-growth forest fragmentation has eliminated much of its preferred habitat, while climate change is shifting temperature and humidity patterns beyond the species' narrow tolerance range. The lichen's slow growth rate and specific substrate requirements make recovery extremely difficult once populations are lost.

Threat summary

Habitat

Tree Flute Lichen grows exclusively on the bark of old-growth trees in temperate rainforests and mature woodland ecosystems, particularly favoring areas with high humidity and minimal air pollution. The species requires specific microclimate conditions found in undisturbed forest canopies where it forms distinctive flute-like structures on tree trunks and branches.

TERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Parmeliaceae

VU

Grynet kvistlav

Hypogymnia farinacea

Unknown
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Punctelia jeckeri

Unknown
VU

Teer baardmos

Usnea fragilescens

Unknown
VU

Oldgrowth Rag Lichen

Platismatia norvegica

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tree Flute Lichen classified as Vulnerable?
Tree Flute Lichen is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. Tree Flute Lichen faces severe decline due to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition and sulfur compounds that alter its sensitive epiphytic environment. Old-growth forest fragmentation has eliminated much of its preferred habitat, while climate change is shifting temperature and humidity patterns beyond the species' narrow tolerance range. The lichen's slow growth rate and specific substrate requirements make recovery extremely difficult once populations are lost.
Where does Tree Flute Lichen live?
Tree Flute Lichen occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tree Flute Lichen?
The main threats to Tree Flute Lichen are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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