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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca alcarum
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen known by several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, and orange wall lichen. This vibrant lichen often forms large, rounded patches and is easily recognizable by its yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange color.
Considerations for Pets
- This lichen is known to grow on rocks, concrete, and trees.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Xanthoria parietina
- Family: Teloschistaceae
- Xanthoria is a genus of lichenized fungi.
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and can be found growing on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- It is common near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia-rich environments.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Western Isles, New Zealand (coastal rocks), Mount Washburn Trail (Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming), and Humboldt Lagoons State Park (California).
Morphological Characteristics
- Xanthoria parietina is a foliose (leafy) lichen.
- It forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- The thallus color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, and it may appear grey in shade.
- It lacks isidia or soredia, and apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, featuring a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Orange lichens may identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird habitats.
- Lichens can survive harsh weather conditions that would kill a fungus or alga growing alone.
- Lichens are formed from a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
- Lichens favor rough, water retentive, naturally alkaline bark (pH 4 – 7).
Quirky Facts
- The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- Pigments from colorful lichens, including orange, red, and brown ones, can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers.
- The pigment parietin found in Xanthoria parietina may have potential as an anti-cancer drug.
Further Information
- Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange is a resource for chemical analysis of lichens.