SafePlants

Xanthoria parietina

Xanthoria parietina, a foliose lichen, goes by several common names including common orange lichen, yellow scale, and maritime sunburst lichen.

Considerations for Pets

• This lichen commonly grows on rocks, concrete, and trees, including near cattle farms, making it potentially accessible to pets outdoors.
• Lichens may be found growing on rocks or along edges in areas frequented by animals.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that pigments can be extracted by boiling to dye wool and other fibers, suggesting a potential for handling during crafts.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Genus: Xanthoria
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Common Names: Common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, sunburst lichen

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution.
• It is commonly found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Western Isles, New Zealand (coastal rocks), Humboldt Lagoons State Park in California, and Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a foliose (leafy) lichen forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
• It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
• The thallus (body) color ranges from yellowish green to golden-yellow or orange, and can appear grey in shaded conditions.
• The fruiting structure has a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.

Ecological Role

• It favors ammonia.
• It can be especially prolific in certain environments, such as below white and grey lichen zones.
• The elegant sunburst lichen is highly tolerant and identifies hunting perches of birds, growing in profusion in seabird environments.

Quirky Facts

• The color of the lichen can vary with the amount of sun or rain; orange or yellow lichens in shade may appear green.
• Orange lichens also identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird environments.
• An orange pigment found in lichens and rhubarb called parietin may have potential as an anti-cancer drug.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
• The alga Trentepohlia can appear as a vivid orange powdery deposit on trees.
• Orange lichens identify hunting perches of birds.

Further Information

• Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange is mentioned as a guide for chemical identification.