SafePlants

Xanthoria parietina

Also known as common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, orange wall lichen, and sunburst lichen, Xanthoria parietina is a striking foliose lichen with a wide distribution.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that pigments from colorful lichens, including orange ones like Xanthoria parietina, can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers. While this suggests a relatively stable compound, ingestion of large amounts is not advisable.
• The lichen grows on various surfaces such as rocks, concrete, and trees, sometimes near cattle farms, suggesting possible exposure to other environmental factors or substances.

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
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Xanthoria elegans (elegant sunburst lichen) is mentioned as another species in the same genus.

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution.
• It grows on rocks, concrete, and trees.
• Frequently found near cattle farms.
• Observed on the Western Isles, coastal rocks in New Zealand, and in Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California.

Morphological Characteristics

• Foliose (leafy) lichen.
• Forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
• Wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
• Thallus color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange; may appear grey in shade.
• Lacks isidia or soredia.
• Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, with a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions that bright orange lichens might indicate hunting perches of birds and their profusion in seabird environments.
• Lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, are 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.
• Parietin, the orange pigment, is being researched for its potential as an anti-cancer drug.
• The color of the lichen can vary depending on sun and rain exposure, appearing greener in shade.

Further Information

• The text references "Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange" as a resource for chemical identification methods.
• British Plant Life 3. National Museum of Wales is referenced.