Fungus
Hooded Tube Lichen
Hypogymnia physodesAlso known as Monk's-hood Lichen, Puffed Tube Lichen
Puffed, tube-like lobes distinguish this widespread foliose lichen, creating an inflated cushion across woodland bark and acidic rock faces. Microscopic green algae nestled beneath the pale grey cortex generate sugars through photosynthesis while the fungal partner provides structural shelter and absorbs moisture from rain and fog. Small woodland songbirds frequently peel off these ruffled rosettes to pad and insulate the interiors of their nests.
Foliose LichenEpiphyteBioindicator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyPhototrophic (photosynthetic sugars from algal photobiont and atmospheric minerals)
Predators
- Gastropods
- Oribatid mites
- Springtails
ThreatsSevere sulfur dioxide pollution, heavy metal deposition, and extensive clear-cut logging
HabitatsBoreal and temperate forests, conifer and birch bark, acidic rocks, weathered wood
Life spanDecades (frequently exceeding 30–50 years)
Classification
- OrderLecanorales
- FamilyParmeliaceae
- GenusHypogymnia
- SpeciesHypogymnia physodes
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Many wild fungi have toxic look-alikes; never ingest wild specimens based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Lobe Inspection: Use a 10x hand lens to look beneath the upturned lobe tips for white, powdery soredia.
- Air Quality Survey: Track presence and lobe size over time to evaluate local sulfur dioxide levels.
Frequent Companion (c) mister_bumble, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by mister_bumble · cc-by
Frequent Companion (c) Paul Cook, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Cook · cc-by
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