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]
| Chrysothrix candelaris | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Fungi |
| Division: | Ascomycota |
| Class: | Arthoniomycetes |
| Order: | Arthoniales |
| Family: | Chrysotrichaceae |
| Genus: | Chrysothrix |
| Species: | C. candelaris
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| Binomial name | |
| Chrysothrix candelaris (L.) J.R.Laundon (1981)
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| Synonyms | |
Distribution
editThis 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
editAs 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
editLacking 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
editThis lichen can be used as an indicator to monitor air quality.
References
edit- ^ Dobson, Frank S. Common British Lichens. Pub. Norwich:Jarrold Colour Publication. p. 14.
- ^ a b Brodo, Irwin M.; Sharnoff, Sylvia Duran; Sharnoff, Stephen (2001). Lichens of North America. Yale University Press. p. 223. ISBN 978-0300082494.
- ^ 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". Archived from the original on 2007-06-13. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
- ^ 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". Archived from the original on 2011-06-06. Retrieved 2009-01-18.
- ^ a b Lichens Archived 2008-08-20 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Laundon, J.R. (1981). "The species of Chrysothrix". The Lichenologist. 13 (2): 101–121. doi:10.1017/s0024282981000169.