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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca saxifragarum
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina
Xanthoria parietina is a foliose, or leafy, lichen known by several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, and maritime sunburst lichen. It is often observed as bright splashes of orange on various surfaces.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions the pigment parietin, found in lichens, which is being investigated for potential anti-cancer properties. However, the effects of parietin or Xanthoria parietina on animals are not specified.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions that pigments from colorful lichens, including orange ones, can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers. While not inherently dangerous, it indicates potential for the plant to be handled or processed, which may require adult supervision.
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
- Other members of this genus mentioned include *Xanthoria elegans*, also know as elegant sunburst lichen.
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and can be found in various environments.
- It commonly grows on rocks, concrete, trees, and near cattle farms, favoring ammonia-rich environments.
- It is also prevalent in coastal regions, growing on coastal rocks, and is observed in places such as Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California, and the Western Isles.
- Specimens have also been observed on tombstones.
Morphological Characteristics
- Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen that forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
- It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- The thallus color ranges from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, and may appear grey in shaded areas.
- It lacks isidia or soredia, but apothecia are usually present.
- The fruiting structure has a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
Ecological Role
- Xanthoria elegans is highly tolerant of bird droppings. It may identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird colonies.
- It may outcompete other lichens or organisms, potentially inhibiting their growth. One excerpt even asks how to remove it from shrubs because it's inhibiting growth.
Quirky Facts
- Lichens, including orange lichens like Xanthoria parietina, have been described as "dual organisms" due to their symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga.
- The orange color of this lichen is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- Orange lichens, specifically *Xanthoria elegans*, are highly tolerant of bird droppings.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, form a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. The alga resides within the hyphae of the fungus.
Further Information
- Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange is noted as the best guide to chemicals and appropriate precautions and procedures related to lichens.