SafePlants

Caloplaca pollinii

Also known as Pollin's orange lichen, Caloplaca pollinii is a lichen belonging to the Teloschistaceae family.

Considerations for Pets

• Lichens can grow on rocks, trees, or other surfaces outdoors and might be encountered by pets during walks or exploration.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Caloplaca pollinii (A. Massal.) Jatta
• Common Name: Pollin's orange lichen
• Kingdom: Not explicitly stated, but as a lichen, it involves a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria.
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Synonyms: Not explicitly stated, but the text mentions "= Pyrenodesmia approximate orange lichen" which may be a synonym or related species.

Distribution and Habitat

• The text mentions its presence in Eastern Canada.
• It is found growing on rocks and Acacia bark, as indicated by descriptions of orange crustose lichens on rocks and yellow patches on Acacia bark.

Morphological Characteristics

• Described as an orange crust coating rocks, indicating a crustose growth form.
• It can appear as orange or yellow patches on surfaces like rock or bark.

Ecological Role

• The text highlights its role as an epiphytic lichen, which can be used in studies of pollution.
• Lichens, in general, play a role in some diets and are consumed by people in regions like Greenland.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• As a lichen, it is a composite organism, a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae or cyanobacteria.
• The text mentions its growth on Acacia bark, illustrating an interaction with a specific tree species.

Quirky Facts

• Pigments from orange, red, and brown lichens can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers.