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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca holocarpa
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina is a fascinating foliose lichen, easily recognized by its vibrant colors and wide distribution. Often found adorning rocks, trees, and even concrete, this lichen adds a splash of color to diverse environments.
Considerations for Pets
- Grows on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- Favors ammonia in areas such as near cattle farms.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Xanthoria parietina
- Common Names: Common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, orange wall lichen, golden shield lichen, shore lichen
- Genus: Xanthoria
- Family: Teloschistaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Has a wide distribution globally.
- Frequently observed on rocks, concrete structures, and trees.
- Can be found near cattle farms, thriving in areas with higher ammonia concentrations.
- Common along coastlines.
- Observed in locations such as Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California; Mount Washburn Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming; and the Western Isles.
Morphological Characteristics
- Foliose (leafy) lichen.
- Forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- Displays wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- Thallus color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, sometimes appearing grey in shaded areas.
- Lacks isidia or soredia.
- Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present.
- Can start as a small yellow or orange dot, gradually growing outwards.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Can be prolific in certain environments, forming an orange lichen belt.
- The presence of orange lichens can indicate hunting perches of birds.
- A symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
Quirky Facts
- The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- The pigment parietin, found in this lichen and rhubarb, shows potential as an anti-cancer drug by interfering with certain biological processes.
- The color can vary depending on sun and rain exposure, appearing green in shaded areas.
Traditional Uses
- Pigments can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers.
Further Information
- Information can be found on the Xanthoria parietina page.
- Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange is a useful resource.