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Spalding's orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca spaldingii
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Caloplaca spaldingii - Spalding's Orange Lichen
Caloplaca spaldingii, commonly known as Spalding's orange lichen, is a fascinating lichen species. This page provides information about its taxonomy, nomenclature, and ecological role.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Caloplaca spaldingii Zahlbr.
- Common Name: Spalding's orange lichen
- Symbol: CASP21
- Rank: Species
- Kingdom: Not explicitly mentioned, but as a lichen, it involves both a fungus (typically Ascomycota) and an alga or cyanobacterium.
- Family: Teloschistaceae
- Division: Ascomycota
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Caloplaca spaldingii is described as a lichenous plant.
- Pigments within the lichen can be extracted by boiling and used to dye wool and other fibers. The text specifically mentions the colorful orange, red, and brown pigments found in some lichens.
Distribution and Habitat
- The lichen has been observed on granite boulders in "Spalding Cove", Lincoln National Park, "Eyre Peninsula", South Australia, Australia.
- Collections of saxicolous (rock-dwelling) lichens were made in southeastern Arizona, potentially including this species or similar lichens.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Some insects, such as the Scarce Footman and Hoary Footman, feed on lichens. The Orange Footman also lives on lichens.
Quirky Facts
- The lichen's orange pigments can be extracted to dye wool and other fibers.
Further Information
- Adrian Spalding has been involved in lichen surveys, particularly in Penrose Park (National Trust Property).
- The 1995 Nebraska lichen catalog by Egan et al. may contain further information.