Chrysothrix candelaris
| Chrysothrix candelaris | |
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| Species: | C. candelaris
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| Binomial name | |
| Chrysothrix candelaris (L.) J.R.Laundon (1981)
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Chrysothrix candelaris, commonly known as the mustard powder lichen[1] or gold dust lichen,[2] is a species of lichen in the family Chrysotrichaceae. It typically grows on tree bark. 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
This lichen is widespread and common in the United Kingdom, being found on the bark of deciduous trees, especially rugged old specimens, such as sycamore, alder, oak, willow, beech, and Pinus species,[5] normally in dry shaded parts. and occasionally on the sheltered faces of siliceous rocks.[6] It is found in North America,[2] Scotland,[6] Hungary,[7] Iran,[8] Latvia[9] and has been recorded in the Cape Verde Islands.[10]
Structure and appearance
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, soredia and isidia.[11] It covers the substrate like a crust and therefore belongs to the leprose group of lichens.[citation needed]
Laundon described three chemotypes of this species: one with the chemical clycin, one with pinatric acid, and a third with both of these compounds.[12]
Life cycle
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
This lychen can be used as an indicator for the air quality.
References
- ^ Dobson, Frank S. Common British Lichens. Pub. Norwich:Jarrold Colour Publication. p. 14.
- ^ a b Gold Dust lichen
- ^ Lichenes Imperfectae
- ^ Alvin, Kenneth L. (1977), The Observer's Book of Lichens. London : Frederick Warne. ISBN 0-7232-1566-9. p. 182.
- ^ Lichenology
- ^ a b Alan Silverside's lichens
- ^ Hungarian lichens
- ^ Seaward MRD, Sipman HJM, Schultz M, Maassoumi AA, Anbaran MHM, Sohrabi M. (2004). A preliminary lichen checklist for Iran. Willdenowia 34(2): 543-576.
- ^ Latvia lichen records
- ^ Cape Verde Islands check list of lichens.
- ^ a b Lichens
- ^ Laundon JR. (1981). The species of Chrysothrix. Lichenologist 13: 101–121.