Lobaria


Lobaria is a genus of lichens commonly known as "lung wort" or "lungmoss" as their physical shape somewhat resembles a lung, and their ecological niche is similar to that of moss.
Lobaria are unusual in that they have a three-part symbiosis, containing a fungus, and an alga, but also a cyanobacterium which fixes nitrogen.
Under the doctrine of signatures, Lobaria pulmonaria is sometimes used to treat respiratory infections, although there is no peer-reviewed data to support the efficacy of this treatment.
Lobaria pulmonaria has been found to have moderate anti-inflammatory effects, and strong anti-ulcerative effects in rats.