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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca cirrochroa
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina is a vibrant foliose lichen known for its wide distribution and striking color. Often found on rocks, trees, and even man-made structures, this lichen adds a splash of orange to diverse environments.
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
- Genus: Xanthoria
- Family: Teloschistaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Widespread distribution.
- Frequently found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- Often located near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia-rich environments.
- Common in coastal areas.
- Observed in locations such as the Western Isles, New Zealand, and Yellowstone National Park.
Morphological Characteristics
- Foliose (leafy) lichen forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- Characterized by wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- Thallus (body) color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, appearing grey in shaded conditions.
- Lacks isidia or soredia.
- Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, featuring a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
Ecological Role
- Can be especially prolific in certain environments, forming noticeable orange lichen belts.
- Identifies hunting perches of birds and grows in profusion in seabird colonies.
Quirky Facts
- The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- The color can vary depending on environmental conditions, appearing greener in shaded areas.
- Its growth can be inhibited on shrubs, and some people seek ways to eradicate it.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The text mentions that pigments of colorful lichens can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers, but it doesn't detail the process or the resulting dyed material's safety.