SafePlants

General Information About Lichens

This analysis focuses on information relating to lichens, specifically epiphytic lichens and the species Caloplaca marina. Lichens are composite organisms formed by a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and a photosynthesizing organism, typically a green or blue-green alga. They are frequently found growing on trees and shrubs (epiphytic lichens).

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens themselves are not explicitly mentioned as toxic.

Considerations for Children

• Lichens themselves are not explicitly mentioned as toxic.

Caloplaca marina: The Orange Crust Lichen

• Caloplaca marina is a lichen that grows as an orange crust on rocks.
• The pigment parietin gives this species a deep yellow or orange-red color.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Teloschistaceae

Distribution and Habitat

• Lichens can be found in various locations, including Scotland, North Carolina (Orange County), Costa Rica (Cerro de la Muerte), and other regions.

Ecological Role

• Epiphytic lichens grow on the surface of plants, particularly trees.
• Some people mistakenly believe that lichens growing on trees are harmful to the trees, though there is no scientific evidence to support this idea. However, epiphytic lichens can have deleterious effects.
• Lichens can be used in biomonitoring air pollution.

Morphological Characteristics

• Some epiphytic lichen species form compact, irregular clusters, consisting of small, yellow-orange, ascending lobes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are epiphytes, meaning they grow on other plants.

Resources and Further Information

• Alan Orange is mentioned as a contact for further information.
• R.G. Woods and A. Orange of the National Museums and Galleries of Wales, Cardiff, are referenced.