Chrysothrix candelaris

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]

Chrysothrix candelaris
Scientific classification
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)

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.

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 lichen can be used as an indicator for the air quality.

References
  1. Dobson, Frank S. Common British Lichens. Pub. Norwich:Jarrold Colour Publication. p. 14.
  2. Gold Dust lichen Archived 2007-09-03 at the Wayback Machine
  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. 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. Lichens Archived 2008-08-20 at the Wayback Machine
  12. Laundon JR. (1981). The species of Chrysothrix. Lichenologist 13: 101–121.
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