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Glite Dictionary
Parmelia

Parmelia

9.9
A kind of leaf-like lichen that grows on rocks in high mountains
  • noun
  • /pɑrˈmɛliə/
  • Specialized
: Parmelia
  • The lichen species Parmelia is often found in mountainous regions, where it thrives on rocky surfaces.

Examples

  • This species, a parasite of Parmeliaceous foliose lichens, described from Spain and France (Etayo 2010), is new for North America. The Maine specimen was found growing on Parmelia squarrosa.

    Academic text (2017)

  • Research shows that Parmelia can absorb pollutants from the air, making it an important bioindicator.

  • Scientists study Parmelia to understand its role in alpine ecosystems and its interactions with other organisms.

Surface Forms

Parmelia singular
Parmelias plural

Etymology

Parmelia comes from the Latin word parma, which means 'small shield'. Many Parmelia lichens have flat, leaf-like lobes that look like little shields, so the name helps you remember their shape.