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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca pelodella
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina, commonly known as common orange lichen, yellow scale, or maritime sunburst lichen, is a foliose (leafy) lichen species recognized for its vibrant color and widespread distribution.
Considerations for Pets
- This lichen can be found growing on rocks, concrete, and trees, potentially within reach of pets outdoors.
Considerations for Children
- This lichen can be found growing on rocks, concrete, and trees, potentially within reach of children outdoors.
- Historically, pigments from colorful lichens, including orange varieties like Xanthoria parietina, have been used to dye wool and other fibers.
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
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution.
- It is commonly found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- It can be prolific in coastal areas and near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia-rich environments.
- Observed in locations such as the Western Isles, New Zealand coastal rocks and Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California.
Morphological Characteristics
- Foliose (leafy) lichen forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- Has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- The thallus is typically yellowish-green to orange, but can appear grey in shaded conditions.
- Lacks isidia or soredia.
- Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present and have a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
Quirky Facts
- The vibrant orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- Orange lichens can sometimes be found identifying hunting perches for birds.
Ecological Role
- The presence of this lichen may indicate alkaline bark conditions.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, are a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. The alga resides within the hyphae of the fungus.
- This lichen can grow in profusion in seabird colonies.
Potential Uses
- Parietin, the orange pigment found in Xanthoria parietina, is being studied for its potential anti-cancer properties.