SafePlants

Xanthoria parietina: Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina is a captivating foliose lichen, known for its vibrant colors and widespread presence. Often found gracing rocks, trees, and even man-made structures, this lichen adds a splash of color to diverse environments.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• Dye Potential: Pigments from Xanthoria parietina can be extracted and used to dye wool and other fibers.
• Substrate Variance: This lichen grows on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, concrete, and trees, and has been found 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, sunburst lichen, shore lichen, golden shield lichen.
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Genus: Xanthoria

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina exhibits a wide distribution.
• It can be found growing on rocks, concrete, and trees, especially in areas with ammonia enrichment, such as near cattle farms.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Western Isles, New Zealand (coastal rocks), Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California, and Mount Washburn Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming.

Morphological Characteristics

• Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen, meaning it has a leafy structure.
• It forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
• The thallus (lichen body) is yellowish-green to orange, and can appear grey in shaded conditions.
• It lacks isidia or soredia.
• The fruiting structure (apothecia) is usually present and has a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.

Ecological Role

• The presence of orange lichens like Xanthoria elegans can indicate hunting perches of birds and profusion in seabird colonies due to nutrient enrichment.
• Lichens can colonize paving and natural stone.

Quirky Facts

• The vibrant orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
• Parietin, found in this lichen and rhubarb, is being investigated for its potential as an anti-cancer drug.
• The color of the lichen can vary depending on sun exposure, with shaded lichens appearing greener.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.

Further Information

• Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange
• Katja Schulz marked "Common orange lichen 3" as trusted on the "Xanthoria parietina" page.