SafePlants

Xanthoria parietina: A Colorful Lichen

Xanthoria parietina, a striking foliose lichen, is known by many common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, and orange wall lichen. Its vibrant colors and wide distribution make it a fascinating subject of study.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, grow on rocks, concrete, and trees. If your pets frequent these environments, be aware of the lichen's presence.
• The text indicates that the pigment parietin, found in this lichen, can be extracted by boiling. No information is provided whether the unboiled lichen is harmful to animals.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• 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
• Genus: Xanthoria
• Family: Teloschistaceae
• The text references another species, Xanthoria elegans, commonly known as the elegant sunburst lichen, which also belongs to the genus Xanthoria.
• Other related lichen species mentioned include Xanthoria polycarpa.
• The text also mentions Caloplaca as a related lichen (e.g., Caloplaca luteoalba, Caloplaca microphyllina, Caloplaca ignea).

Distribution and Habitat

• Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and is often found on rocks, concrete, and trees.
• It can be found in coastal areas, as suggested by the name "maritime sunburst lichen."
• The lichen favors environments rich in ammonia, such as near cattle farms.
• It is also mentioned in the context of various locations, including the Western Isles, New Zealand (coastal rocks), and Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California.

Morphological Characteristics

• Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen, meaning it has a leafy structure.
• It forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
• The thallus (lichen body) is yellowish green to orange, or grey in shaded areas.
• It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
• The fruiting structure has a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.

Ecological Role

• The text suggests that orange lichens can be prolific in certain environments.
• They can serve as hunting perches for birds.
• Lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, are formed from a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
• The algae Trentepohlia may appear as a vivid orange powdery deposit on trees.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The vibrant color of Xanthoria parietina makes it easier for animals to identify.
• The lichen grows in profusion near seabird colonies and on hunting perches of birds.
• Lichens such as Xanthoria parietina are formed from symbiotic association between fungi and algae.

Quirky Facts

• The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
• Parietin, found in this lichen (and rhubarb), may have potential as an anti-cancer drug.
• Pigments from colorful lichens can be used to dye wool and other fibers.

Further Information

• The text references "Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange" as a guide.
• PeteMella on Fungi and Lichens