SafePlants

Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina, a striking foliose lichen, is known by several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, and simply orange lichen. Its vibrant color and wide distribution make it a frequently observed species.

Considerations for Pets

• This lichen commonly grows on rocks, concrete, and trees.

Considerations for Children

• This lichen commonly 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, sunburst lichen, golden shield lichen, shore lichen.
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Xanthoria is a genus of lichenized fungi.

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina exhibits a wide distribution.
• It is commonly found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
• It can be found near cattle farms.
• It is present in the Western Isles.
• It is found on coastal rocks in New Zealand.

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 color ranges from yellowish green to golden-yellow or orange, and may appear grey in shade.
• It lacks isidia or soredia.
• Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present.

Ecological Role

• Orange lichens grow in profusion in seabird habitats and on hunting perches of birds.

Interactions with Other Organisms

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

Quirky Facts

• The orange color of this lichen is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
• Pigments from colorful lichens, including orange ones, can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers.
• Parietin, an orange pigment found in lichens, may have potential as an anti-cancer drug.