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concolor lemon lichen

Scientific Name: Candelaria concolor

Family: Candelariaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Elfin Candleflame Lichen (Candelaria concolor)

Candelaria concolor, commonly known as Elfin Candleflame Lichen or Lemon Lichen, is a widespread and often overlooked organism. Its vibrant color makes it a potentially interesting find during outdoor excursions.

Considerations for Children

  • This lichen is small, ranging from 0.1 to 1.2 mm wide.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Candelaria concolor (Dicks.) Stein
  • Common Names: Elfin Candleflame Lichen, Lemon Lichen, Concolor Lemon Lichen, Yellow Candleflame Lichen
  • Family: Candelariaceae
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms:
    • Lichen concolor Dicks., 1793 (Basionym)
    • Squamaria candelaria sensu Hooker, 1833
    • Teloschistes concolor

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • Candelaria concolor is a foliose lichen, meaning it has a leaf-like structure.
  • Its upper surface ranges in color from lemon yellow to mustard yellow, sometimes paling to yellow-green.
  • It is a minute lichen.

Distribution and Habitat

  • This lichen is common on trees in North America.
  • It is found growing on the bark of trees and less commonly on rocks.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Berkeley, California; Oak Ridge, TN; the Great Smoky Mountains; Montgomery Co., Maryland; Albany Nursery WMA, Dougherty County, Southwest Georgia; and Castelo de Vide.

Ecological Role

  • Candelaria concolor is described as a common lichen found on trees in both city and suburban environments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions this lichen growing on a dogwood tree.
  • It exists in symbiosis of fungi and algae.
  • It is also found on small cultivated shrubs.