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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca flavovirescens
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina, commonly known as common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, or simply orange lichen, is a vibrant and widely distributed foliose lichen.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This lichen often grows on rocks, concrete, and trees, making it commonly found in outdoor environments where pets and children may encounter it.
- Some pigments in colorful lichens, including orange ones like *Xanthoria parietina*, can be extracted and used to dye wool and other fibers. Although the text doesn't refer directly to toxicity, it's important to note that ingestion of dyed materials could present a risk.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- 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.
- Genus: Xanthoria
- Family: Teloschistaceae
- Xanthoria elegans is also mentioned as a lichenized species of fungus.
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution.
- It can be found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- It can be found near cattle farms, as it favors ammonia.
- It is also found on coastal rocks in New Zealand.
- Reported locations include the Western Isles, Stanpit, Walden road, East Coast Cruises (Triabunna), Humboldt Lagoons State Park (California), and Mount Washburn Trail in Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming).
Morphological Characteristics
- It is a foliose (leafy) lichen.
- It forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- The thallus (body) is yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, and may appear grey in shade.
- It lacks isidia or soredia.
- Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, with a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
- The orange color is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
Ecological Role
- It can be especially prolific in certain environments.
- The elegant sunburst lichen (*Xanthoria elegans*) is highly tolerant of specific conditions and identifies hunting perches of birds and grows in profusion in seabird areas.
- Its presence can indicate a healthy forest.
Quirky Facts
- The pigment parietin, found in *Xanthoria parietina* and rhubarb, is being studied for its potential anti-cancer properties because it interferes with certain biological processes.
- Lichens are described as "dual organisms" due to the symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. The alga is contained within the hyphae (fungal filaments).
- The color of lichens, including *Xanthoria parietina*, can vary depending on the amount of sun or rain. Orange or yellow lichens in shade may appear green.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens are a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
- The elegant sunburst lichen is highly tolerant and also identifies hunting perches of birds.
Further Information
- Reference is made to a resource called "Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange".