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orange lichen

Scientific Name: Caloplaca tetraspora

Family: Teloschistaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Xanthoria parietina: Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen known by several common names, including common orange lichen, yellow scale, maritime sunburst lichen, orange lichen, and orange wall lichen.

Considerations for Pets

  • Grows on rocks, concrete and trees.

Considerations for Children

  • Grows on rocks, concrete and trees.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Xanthoria parietina
  • Family: Teloschistaceae
  • Genus: Xanthoria

Distribution and Habitat

  • Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution and is found on rocks, concrete, and trees, including old elms.
  • It favors environments with ammonia, such as near cattle farms.
  • It can be found in coastal regions and mountainous areas, including the Western Isles, New Zealand, and Humboldt Lagoons State Park in California.

Morphology and Growth Habits

  • It is a foliose lichen, meaning it has a leafy structure.
  • It forms large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across.
  • The thallus (body) is yellowish green to orange, but can appear grey in shade.
  • Lacks isidia or soredia.
  • Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, with a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
  • The main body of some related lichens is light grey, with orange fruiting bodies that give it a crust-like texture.

Quirky Facts

  • The orange color of this lichen is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
  • Orange lichens are associated with hunting perches of birds, often growing in profusion in seabird colonies.
  • The pigment parietin, found in this lichen, may have potential as an anti-cancer drug.

Ecological Role

  • It can be especially prolific and may inhibit the growth of shrubs.
  • Lichens, including Xanthoria parietina, are formed from a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga.
  • Lichens are described as "dual organisms" because of this symbiotic relationship.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It can be found growing alongside other lichens and algae, such as Trentepohlia.