Umbilicaria esculenta, the rock tripe or Iwa-take, is a lichen of the genus Umbilicaria that grows on rocks.

Morphology

Two different types of polysaccharides are known to be the structural components, both a heteroglycan from the fungus and a glucan from the alga. U. esculenta lichens have a thallus attached to the substrate with a central holdfast. The thallus is also heteromerous (parts that are different in quality and number) and fully corticated (has a cortex and bark). Many of the Umbilicaria species are characterized by a veined or rugose thalline surface.

Ecology

Umbilicaria esculenta is a saxicolous lichen; it grows on rocks and is known widely as the "rock tripe". It is usually found on at high altitude in East Asia.

Human uses

U. esculenta is considered a delicacy in China, Korea, and Japan where it is eaten in dishes, soups, or in salads. It has been used as starvation food by Native Americans and early settlers.

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