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orange lichen
Scientific Name: Caloplaca velana
Family: Teloschistaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Xanthoria parietina: The Common Orange Lichen
Xanthoria parietina is a widely distributed foliose lichen, easily recognizable by its vibrant color. It belongs to a group known for their striking orange thalli.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Lichens, while generally not considered highly toxic, can sometimes accumulate substances from their environment.
- The text mentions that pigments from lichens can be extracted by boiling, suggesting the presence of chemical compounds.
Scientific Classification
- 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
- Also mentioned: Xanthoria elegans (Elegant Sunburst Lichen), Xanthoria polycarpa (Pincushion Orange Lichen)
- Related: Caloplaca Th. Fr.
Distribution and Habitat
- Xanthoria parietina has a wide distribution.
- It is commonly found on rocks, concrete, trees, and even tombstones.
- It can be found in coastal areas and is common near cattle farms due to its preference for ammonia.
- Also found on rocks at the beach by the edge of the Gyon Bluffs, near Freshwater Lagoon of Humboldt Lagoons State Park, California.
- It also may be found on sandstone, shrubs, and coastal rocks in New Zealand.
- It is likely to be found on mature shrubs and may inhibit growth of new leaves.
Morphological Characteristics
- Xanthoria parietina is a foliose (leafy) lichen.
- It forms large, rounded patches that can grow up to 10 cm across.
- It has wide, round-lipped marginal lobes.
- The thallus (body) ranges in color from yellowish-green to golden-yellow or orange, and may appear grey in shaded conditions.
- It lacks isidia or soredia. Apothecia (fruiting bodies) are usually present, with a dark orange disc surrounded by a lighter edge.
Ecological Role and Interactions
- Lichens are described as "dual organisms," representing a symbiotic association between a fungus and an alga. The alga is contained within the hyphae.
- Orange lichens may identify hunting perches of birds and grow in profusion in seabird areas.
- The alga Trentepohlia is seen as a vivid orange powdery deposit on trees.
- In some cases, lichens growing on shrubs may inhibit their growth.
Quirky Facts
- The orange color of Xanthoria parietina is due to the production of the pigment parietin.
- Parietin, found in lichens and rhubarb, is being investigated for its potential as an anti-cancer drug.
- The color of lichens can vary based on sunlight and rain exposure; orange or yellow lichens in shade may appear green.
Further Resources
- Microchemical Methods for the Identification of Lichens by Alan Orange
- Lichens on Trees. A Guide to Some of the Commonest Species by Alan Orange