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orange lichen

Scientific Name: Caloplaca modesta

Family: Teloschistaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Xanthoria parietina: Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen known by several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, and orange wall lichen.

Considerations for Pets

  • This lichen commonly grows on rocks, concrete, and trees, including near cattle farms, suggesting it can be found in a variety of environments, including areas accessible to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • This lichen commonly grows on rocks, concrete, and trees, suggesting it can be found in a variety of environments, including areas accessible to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Xanthoria is a genus of lichenized fungi in the family Teloschistaceae.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and is found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
  • It has been observed in various locations, including the Western Isles, Humboldt Lagoons State Park in California, and coastal rocks in New Zealand.
  • It can be found near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a foliose lichen, forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
  • It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
  • The thallus is yellowish green to golden-yellow or orange, and may appear grey in shade.
  • It lacks isidia or soredia, and apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present.

Ecological Role

  • Orange lichens can identify hunting perches of birds and grow prolifically in seabird colonies.

Interactions with Other Organisms

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

Quirky Facts

  • The orange color of Xanthoria parietina 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.

Further Information

  • Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange is mentioned as a resource.
  • Orange, A. 1994. Lichens on Trees. A Guide to Some of the Commonest Species. Series: British Plant Life 3. National Museum of Wales.