Xanthoria parietina, Common Orange Lichen

Common Name: Common Orange Lichen

Xanthoria parietina is a foliose lichen forming large, rounded patches up to 10 cm across, with wide, round-lipped marginal lobes. The thallus is yellowish green to greenish grey in shade but bright orange in brightly lit situations. In older specimens the centre of the thallus may die out. Lobes are long, wrinkled, over-lapping, up to 7 mm wide at the margin, and often turn up to reveal a white underside with root-like hairs. Lobes may be narrow in exposed conditions such as on the seashore. Fruiting bodies sit on the surface of the thallus and are composed of an orange disc with a paler margin, which may become crenulate. Fruiting bodes are most abundant in the centre of the thallus.

Xanthoria parietina may form a distinct narrow band on rocks and walls just above high water level. It also occurs inland on rocks, walls and bark. Common on nutrient rich areas such as beneath bird perching areas. Widespread across the British Isles, inland but commonest near the coast.

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