Umbilicaria esculenta
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 and fully corticated. 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.