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Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina, a striking foliose lichen, is known by several common names that reflect its vibrant color and habitat.

• Scientific Name: Xanthoria parietina
• 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

• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Rank: Genus
• Xanthoria elegans (Elegant Sunburst Lichen) is another species within the same genus.

Distribution and Habitat

Xanthoria parietina boasts a wide distribution and can be found in various locations:

• Grows on rocks, concrete, and trees.
• Often found near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia.
• Observed in the Western Isles.
• Also found on the coast to inland New Zealand, including coastal rocks.
• Mount Washburn Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.
• Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California.
• East Coast Cruises, Triabunna Picture.

Morphological Characteristics

• Foliose (leafy) lichen, forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
• Features wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
• Thallus color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange. It may appear grey in shaded conditions.
• Lacks isidia or soredia. Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present with a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
• Starts as a small yellow or orange dot, gradually growing outward from the center, which may turn white or grey.

Ecological Role

• The presence and color intensity of Xanthoria parietina can be influenced by environmental factors like sun and rain.
• Orange lichens are highly tolerant and often identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird.

Quirky Facts

• Xanthoria parietina is a "dual organism," a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga.
• The orange color of this lichen is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
• The pigment parietin, found in this lichen and rhubarb, is being researched for its potential as an anti-cancer drug.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Certain animals may be associated with the presence of sunburst lichens.
• The elegant sunburst lichen, Xanthoria elegans,is highly tolerant of and grow in profusion in seabird colonies.

Traditional Uses

• Pigments extracted from colorful lichens like Xanthoria parietina can be used to dye wool and other fibers.

Resources and Further Information

• Katja Schulz has marked "Common orange lichen" as trusted on the "Xanthoria parietina" page.
• For chemical identification, consult "Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens" by Alan Orange.
• Botanical Society of. Common orange lichen (Xanthoria parietina) 11:10 pm 30/12/15 marlandza.