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Oxford Orange Lichen

Learn about the Oxford Orange Lichen, a fascinating lichen species also known as Caloplaca oxfordensis. This page provides information on its classification, distribution, ecology, and more.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens may grow on rocks or other surfaces that pets interact with.

Scientific Name and Common Names

• Scientific Name: Caloplaca oxfordensis
• Common Names: Oxford Orange Lichen, Common Orange Lichen

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Fungi
• Phylum: Ascomycota
• Class: Lecanoromycetes
• Order: Teloschistales
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Synonyms: C. oxfordensis Fink apud Hedrick

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in locations such as Kidlington, Oxford, and Oxfordshire, and also the Czech Republic.
• Mentioned in the context of gravestones, rocks, and other natural surfaces in Oxfordshire.

Morphological Characteristics

• A lichenous plant with a characteristic orange color.
• Pigments, especially orange and red, are present in some colorful lichens.

Quirky Facts

• The orange pigment parietin is found in both lichens and rhubarb.
• Lichens are composite plants, consisting of a fungus that contains photosynthetic algal cells. Their classification is based upon that of the fungal partner.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens are a food source or habitat component for some organisms (e.g., black Mandt's guillemot).
• Mentioned in relation to the black and yellow lichen moth.

Further Information

• Preslia 80(2): 151–182 for a checklist and Red List of lichens of the Czech Republic.
• Referenced resources include Oxford University Press and ARKive.
• British Lichens Society for further information and contacts.