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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca bolacina
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina is a striking foliose (leafy) lichen known for its vibrant color and widespread distribution. Often found in easily observable locations, this lichen adds a splash of color to various surfaces.
Common Names
- Common Orange Lichen
- Yellow Scale
- Maritime Sunburst Lichen
- Orange Lichen
- Orange Wall Lichen
- Sunburst Lichen
- Golden Shield Lichen
- Shore Lichen
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Xanthoria parietina
- Genus: Xanthoria
- Family: Teloschistaceae
Considerations for Pets
- This lichen grows on rocks, concrete and trees.
Considerations for Children
- This lichen grows on rocks, concrete and trees.
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and is found in many locations.
- It is commonly observed on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- Often found near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia.
- Can be especially prolific, forming noticeable orange lichen belts.
- Also found on coastal rocks in New Zealand.
Morphological Characteristics
- Foliose (leafy) lichen forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- Features wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- The thallus (body) ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, sometimes appearing grey in shade.
- Lacks isidia or soredia.
- Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, featuring a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
Ecological Role
- Grows in profusion in seabird colonies because they identify hunting perches of birds.
Quirky Facts
- The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- Lichens have been described as "dual organisms" due to their symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Grows in a symbiotic relationship with algae, where the alga is contained within the hyphae of the fungus.
Traditional and Potential Uses
- Pigments from colorful lichens, including orange ones like Xanthoria parietina, can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers.
- Parietin, the orange pigment found in this lichen, may have potential as an anti-cancer drug because it interferes with certain cancer-related processes.