Gold Dust Lichen
Chrysothrix candelaris (L.) J. R. Laundon
Gold Dust Lichen: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/4892
Synonyms
Tags

Map Snapshot

7 Records

GAALWAFRCLMOHOBABCHACEPGAACVCHSMKEQACNTADOWISOWO

Seasonality Snapshot

Resources

View at iNaturalist View at Nature Serve Search Google Images Search MBP Facebook posts
Use of media featured on Maryland Biodiversity Project is only permitted with express permission of the photographer.

Source: Wikipedia

Chrysothrix candelaris
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Arthoniomycetes
Order: Arthoniales
Family: Chrysotrichaceae
Genus: Chrysothrix
Species:
C. candelaris
Binomial name
Chrysothrix candelaris
(L.) J.R.Laundon (1981)
Synonyms
  • Byssus candelaris L. (1753)
  • Lichen flavus Schreb. (1771)
  • Lepraria flava (Schreb.) Ach. (1798)
  • Lepraria candelaria(L.) Fr. (1824)
  • Crocynia flava (Schreb.) Hue (1924)

Chrysothrix candelaris, commonly known as the mustard powder lichen[1] or gold dust lichen,[2] is a species of leprose (powdery) lichen in the family Chrysothricaceae. It typically grows on tree bark, although it has also been recorded growing on rock. It does not show ascocarps or other reproductive structures, belonging to the group commonly known as the 'Fungi or lichens imperfecti' in the UK.[3][4]

Distribution

[edit]

This lichen is widespread and common in the United Kingdom, where it occurs on the bark of deciduous trees, especially rugged old specimens, such as sycamore, alder, oak, willow, beech, and pine species,[5] normally in dry shaded parts. and occasionally on the sheltered faces of siliceous rocks.[6] It is found in North America, Scotland,[6] Hungary,[7] Iran,[8] Latvia[9] and has been recorded in the Cape Verde Islands.[10]

Description

[edit]

As suggested by its name, C. candelaris is bright yellow, orange-yellow, or greenish-yellow. It has a powdery (leprose) appearance, a superficial thallus and lacks apothecia and isidia.[11] Because its thallus is made entirely of powdery soredia that covers the substrate like a crust, Chrysothrix candelaris is a leprose lichen.[2]

Laundon described three chemotypes of this species: one with the chemical cyclin, one with pinastric acid, and a third with both of these compounds.[12]

Life cycle

[edit]

Lacking apothecia, soredia and isidia, C. candelaris is not able to reproduce by spores, but spreads by its thallus becoming distributed by the wind, the feet of animals, etc. to suitable habitats.[11]

Miscellaneous

[edit]

This lichen can be used as an indicator to monitor air quality.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Dobson, Frank S. Common British Lichens. Pub. Norwich:Jarrold Colour Publication. p. 14.
  2. ^ a b Brodo, Irwin M.; Sharnoff, Sylvia Duran; Sharnoff, Stephen (2001). Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. p. 223. ISBN 978-0300082494.
  3. ^ Lichenes Imperfectae
  4. ^ Alvin, Kenneth L. (1977), The Observer's Book of Lichens. London : Frederick Warne. ISBN 0-7232-1566-9. p. 182.
  5. ^ Lichenology
  6. ^ a b Alan Silverside's lichens
  7. ^ "Hungarian lichens". Archived from the original on 2007-06-13. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
  8. ^ Seaward MRD, Sipman HJM, Schultz M, Maassoumi AA, Anbaran MHM, Sohrabi M. (2004). A preliminary lichen checklist for Iran. Willdenowia 34(2): 543–576.
  9. ^ Latvia lichen records
  10. ^ "Cape Verde Islands check list of lichens". Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
  11. ^ a b Lichens Archived 2008-08-20 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ Laundon, J.R. (1981). "The species of Chrysothrix". The Lichenologist. 13 (2): 101–121. doi:10.1017/s0024282981000169.