SafePlants

Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina, a vibrant foliose lichen, is widely recognized and distributed. Its striking color and adaptability have earned it several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, and orange wall lichen.

When you spot a brightly colored sunburst lichen, especially one with a splendid splash of orange thalli, it's highly likely to be Xanthoria parietina.

Considerations for Pets

• Grows on rocks, concrete and trees.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Xanthoria parietina
• Common Names: Common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, orange wall lichen, sunburst lichen
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Genus: Xanthoria

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and is found in various locations, including coastal rocks (e.g., near Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California; New Zealand), and mountainous regions.
• It can be found growing on rocks, concrete, trees, and tombstones.
• It favors environments with ammonia and can be found near cattle farms.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen, meaning it has a leafy structure.
• It forms large, rounded patches that can grow up to 10 cm across.
• It exhibits wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
• The thallus (body) color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange. In shaded areas, it may appear grey.
• It typically lacks isidia or soredia.
• Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, featuring a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.

Ecological Role

• An orange lichen belt may be distinguished below White and Grey lichens.
• Orange lichens also identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird environments.
• It can colonise paving and cause black spots.

Quirky Facts

• The orange color of this lichen is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
• Orange or yellow lichens that grow in shade may appear green, while grey lichens appear darker.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are formed from a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. The alga is contained within the hyphae.

Traditional Uses

• Pigments of colorful lichens, including orange ones, can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers.

Further Information

• Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange is recommended as a guide to the use of chemicals and to appropriate precautions and procedures.