Kelpis

Kelpis is a genus of lichens in the family Lichinaceae. It is a monotypic genus, containing the single species Kelpis spathulata. Kelpis spathulata is a crustose lichen, meaning it grows in a thin, flat layer on surfaces. It is commonly found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in Europe and North America. The lichen is known for its distinctive appearance, with a smooth, shiny surface that can vary in color from gray to brown or black, depending on the substrate and environmental conditions. Kelpis spathulata is often found growing on bark, rocks, and soil, and it plays a role in nutrient cycling by breaking down organic matter. The lichen is also of interest to mycologists and lichenologists due to its unique morphology and ecological niche. Kelpis spathulata is not known to have any significant commercial or medicinal uses, but it is valued by scientists for its contribution to the study of lichen biology and ecology. The genus name Kelpis is derived from the Greek word kelpos, meaning "a kind of lichen," while the specific epithet spathulata refers to the spatula-shaped thallus of the lichen.