Xanthoria parietina (golden shield lichen)

Watch the video to find out more about Xanthoria parietina and what lichens can tell you about pollution levels in your local environment.

Xanthoria parietina, the golden shield lichen, is a conspicuous yellow foliose lichen
This lichen is formed of two organisms living together symbiotically:

A fungus which forms the body of the lichen, which in Xanthoria parietina consists of flattened spreading leaf-like lobes lobes and produces spores in the bright orange cups on the surface.
A single-celled green alga which is protected by the fungus from extreme conditions of UV or drought by the yellow colour (parietin) which acts as a sunscreen. In return the alga provides the nutrients for the fungus through photosynthesis.

Xanthoria parietina is found in sunny, exposed places that are rich in nitrogen

sea cliffs where seabirds provide nitrogen
trees, rocks and manmade substrates wherever there is plenty of nitrogen

Xanthoria parietina is tolerant of high levels of nitrogen especially ammonia and is common on trees and buildings near farmland.

Xanthoria parietina can be used as a monitor for nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Species detail

Structure and taxonomy

Find out about the family that Xanthoria parietina belongs to and why the species is often found in sunny, exposed places.
Habitat, distribution and ecology

Discover where Xanthoria parietina and why it is rare in certain areas. Learn about the types of habitat that this species thrives in.
Reproduction

Learn about the reproductive patterns of golden shield lichen and the vital relationship it is thought to share with other lichens.
References

Get reference material for Xanthoria parietina.