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Umbilicaria esculenta, the rock tripe or Iwa-take, is a lichen of the genus Umbilicaria that grows on rocks.
| Umbilicaria esculenta | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Lecanoromycetes |
| Order: | Umbilicariales |
| Family: | Umbilicariaceae |
| Genus: | Umbilicaria |
| Species: | U. esculenta |
| Binomial name | |
| Umbilicaria esculenta (Miyoshi) Minks (1900) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Two different types of polysaccharides are known to be the structural components, both a heteroglycan from the fungus and a glucan from the alga.[1] U. esculenta lichens have a thallus attached to the substrate with a central holdfast.[2] 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.[2]
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.[3]
U. esculenta is considered a delicacy in China, Korea, and Japan where it is eaten in dishes, soups, or in salads.[4]
It has been used as starvation food by Native Americans and early settlers.[4]
Iwatake gathering at Kumano in Kishū, by Hiroshige II
Korean pan-fried Umbilicaria esculenta
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