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eggyolk lichen

Scientific Name: Candelariella citrina

Family: Candelariaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Eggyolk Lichen (Candelariella)

Eggyolk lichens belong to the genus Candelariella, a group of crustose or squamulose lichens within the Lecanoraceae family. They are also known as goldspeck lichens or yolk lichens.

Considerations for Pets

  • Lichens can grow on rocks and tree bark, which pets might encounter outdoors.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Candelariella
  • Common Names: Eggyolk lichen, goldspeck lichen, yolk lichen
  • Family: Lecanoraceae (and sometimes Candelariaceae for specific species)
  • Rank: Genus

Species Examples

  • Candelariella aurella (Hidden goldspeck lichen, eggyolk lichen)
  • Candelariella arctica (Arctic Eggyolk Lichen)
  • Candelariella athallina (Eggyolk Lichen)
  • Candelariella vitellina
  • Candelariella rosulans
  • Candelariella spraguei (Sprague's Eggyolk Lichen)
  • Candelariella terrigena
  • Candelariella dispersa (Dispersed eggyolk lichen)
  • Candelariella deflexa (Deflexed eggyolk lichen)
  • Candelariella xanthostigma

Morphological Characteristics

  • Crustose or squamulose (scale-like) growth form.
  • Characterized by a yellow color, resembling an egg yolk.
  • Candelariella xanthostigma has a thallus consisting of minute granules (up to 0.1mm).

Distribution and Habitat

  • Commonly found on calcareous surfaces.
  • Grows on rock, bark, and old wood.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Michigan and Molonglo Gorge.
  • Candelariella vitellina is noted as being native to Waterloo.

Ecological Role

  • Moderate pollution tolerance, indicating mediocre air quality.
  • Requires nitrogen to survive and often thrives under bird perches.

Quirky Facts

  • Some colonies take 100 years to reach the diameter of a fried egg yolk.
  • Scientists are intrigued by why bone-white lichens may appear egg-yolk yellow under black light.

Associated Organisms/Interactions

  • Mentioned in the context of ammonia deposition near oaks.

Culinary Uses

  • While not explicitly endorsed here, the text references a "crispy lichen dish" and "dried organic egg yolk", implying some culinary exploration of lichens (though not necessarily Candelariella).

Further Information

  • Catalogue of Life: 2012 Annual Checklist
  • APHOTOFUNGI - Photographic Stock Library Page
  • Grasafriorasafn (Icelandic)