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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca rubrofusca
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina, a foliose lichen, is widely distributed and known by several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, and maritime sunburst lichen. This lichen is noted for its vibrant color and prevalence in various environments.
Considerations for Pets
- This lichen can be found growing on rocks, concrete, and trees, including those near cattle farms.
Considerations for Children
- This lichen can be found growing on rocks, concrete, and trees.
- Pigments of the orange lichens, can be extracted by boiling and 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
- Genus: Xanthoria
- Family: Teloschistaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and can be found in various locations, including coastal rocks in New Zealand and the Western Isles.
- It grows on rocks, concrete, and trees and is often prolific in areas with high ammonia levels, such as near cattle farms.
Morphological Characteristics
- Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen that forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- The thallus is yellowish-green to orange, with wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- It lacks isidia or soredia and typically has apothecia (fruiting bodies).
Ecological Role
- This lichen is highly tolerant and can grow in profusion in seabird colonies, identifying hunting perches of birds.
- The color can vary with the amount of sun or rain; orange or yellow lichens in shade may appear green.
Quirky Facts
- The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- Parietin, found in lichens and rhubarb, may have potential as an anti-cancer drug.
- Lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, have been described as "dual organisms" due to their symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens are formed from the symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. The alga is contained within the hyphae.
- The presence of orange lichens can indicate hunting perches of birds.
Further Information
- More information can be found on the "Xanthoria parietina" page where Katja Schulz marked "Common orange lichen 3" as trusted.
- Refer to Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange for chemical identification techniques.