SafePlants

Sandwort Orange Lichen

Explore the fascinating world of Caloplaca arenaria, commonly known as Sandwort Orange Lichen.

Considerations for Pets

• As a lichen, it may grow on various surfaces, including rocks and pebbles, potentially making it accessible to pets outdoors.

Considerations for Children

• Lichens may grow on various surfaces, including rocks and pebbles, potentially making it accessible to children outdoors.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Caloplaca arenaria (Pers.) Mull. Arg.
• Common Name: Sandwort Orange Lichen
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Kingdom: Fungi (as lichens belong to the broader group that includes fungi, mushrooms, yeasts, and molds)

Taxonomic Synonyms

This lichen has been previously identified by the following synonyms:

• Caloplaca erythrocarpa (Pers.) Zwackh
• Caloplaca erythrocarpia (Pers.) Zwackh
• Caloplaca lamprocheila (DC.) Flagey

Distribution and Habitat

• Often found in areas where other plants like Sea Sandwort (Honckenya peploides) also thrive, suggesting a preference for coastal or sandy environments.
• May be found on beach pebbles and in sheltered zones.
• Observed in upland subalpine settings near the treeline and on heath-lichen subalpine slopes.
• Specifically noted in the Czech Republic.

Morphological Characteristics

• Growth Habit: Lichenous
• Bright orange coloration is a notable feature.

Quirky Facts

• The orange pigment, parietin, found in some lichens (including related species), is being researched for its potential anti-cancer properties.
• The bright orange color encrusting beach pebbles is very noticeable.

Ecological Role

• Forms mats on rocks, sometimes resembling other plants such as Mountain Sandwort.

Related Species

Other species within the Caloplaca genus include:

• Caloplaca albovariegata (de Lesd.) Wetmore
• Caloplaca alcarum Poelt
• Caloplaca ammiospila (Wahlenb.) H. Olivier
• Caloplaca cinnamomea (Th. Fr.) H.
• Caloplaca luteoalba (Orange-fruited Elm-lichen)
• Caloplaca approximata (approximate orange lichen)
• Caloplaca arizonica (Arizona orange lichen)
• Caloplaca marina (though identification can be confused with Caloplaca maritima)
• Caloplaca Arenaria norvegica (Norwegian Sandwort)

Further Resources

• Lichen Portal: http://lichenportal.org/portal/collections/individual/index.php?occid=1524203
• Checklist and Red List of lichens of the Czech Republic: http://www.preslia.cz/P082Lis.pdf (Preslia 80(2): 151–182)