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Xanthoria parietina: Common Orange Lichen and More

Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen known by several common names, reflecting its distinctive appearance and habitat.

Considerations for Pets

• Pigments from orange, red, and brown 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
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• Xanthoria is a genus of lichenized fungi.

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution.
• It grows on rocks, concrete, and trees.
• It can be found near cattle farms.
• Common on coastal rocks in New Zealand.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• It is a foliose (leafy) lichen forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
• It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
• The thallus (body) is yellowish-green to orange.
• Lacks isidia or soredia, apothecia usually present

Ecological Role and Interactions

• Lichens in general can survive harsh weather conditions.
• Orange lichens may identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird colonies.
• Lichens are a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.

Quirky Facts

• This form of lichen starts as a small yellow or orange dot and gradually grows out from the centre getting bigger and bigger leaving the centre to go white grey

Further Information

• Alan Orange is referenced as an expert on lichens, and his publication "Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens" is mentioned.
• National Museum of Wales, British Plant Life 3 publication series: "Lichens on Trees. A Guide to Some of the Commonest Species." by A. Orange.