Central holdfast attaches to rock: rock tripe lichen

1 of 1 Umbilicaria polyphylla / Glatt Navell.. / License

Lichen attach to rocks via a central holdfast (umbilicus).

Biomimicry Taxonomy

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Develop adhesives that work on rough surfaces in cold temperatures.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The umbilicus is of vital importance for the Umbilicaria species, since it fastens the thallus to the rock." (Gauslaa 1984:20)

Umbilicaria
Umbilicaria

Habitat(s): Rocky Areas

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Application Ideas: Develop adhesives that work on rough surfaces in cold temperatures.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Adhesives

References

Gauslaa, Y. 1984. Infrared and visible reflectance in different lichen species and its ecological significance. Holarctic ecology. 7(1): 13-22.