Chrysothrix candelaris
{{Short description|Species of lichen}}
{{italic title}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Gold Dust Lichen (3816260916).jpg
| image_caption =
| status = G5
| status_system = TNC
| status_ref = {{cite NatureServe |id=2.127401 |title=Chrysothrix candelaris |access-date=10 June 2025}}
| taxon = Chrysothrix candelaris
| authority = (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 lichenDobson, Frank S. Common British Lichens. Pub. Norwich:Jarrold Colour Publication. p. 14. or gold dust lichen, 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.[http://www.cbs.knaw.nl/publications/mycoheritage/doidge/ch04s03.html Lichenes Imperfectae]Alvin, Kenneth L. (1977), The Observer's Book of Lichens. London : Frederick Warne. {{ISBN|0-7232-1566-9}}. p. 182.
Distribution
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,[http://www.lichenology.info/cgi-bin/baseportal.pl?htx=atlas_frm&newId=550 Lichenology] normally in dry shaded parts. and occasionally on the sheltered faces of siliceous rocks.[http://www.lichens.lastdragon.org/Chrysothrix_candelaris.html Alan Silverside's lichens] It is found in North America, Scotland, Hungary,{{Cite web |url=http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/checklists/europe/hungary_l.htm |title=Hungarian lichens |access-date=2009-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070613174736/http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/checklists/europe/hungary_l.htm |archive-date=2007-06-13 |url-status=dead }} Iran,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[http://latvijas.daba.lv/saraksti/keerpji/latvia_index_species1.html#Calicium Latvia lichen records] and has been recorded in the Cape Verde Islands.{{Cite web |url=http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/checklists/lichens/africa/cape-verde_l.htm |title=Cape Verde Islands check list of lichens. |access-date=2009-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606044030/http://www.biologie.uni-hamburg.de/checklists/lichens/africa/cape-verde_l.htm |archive-date=2011-06-06 |url-status=dead }}
Description
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.[http://ocid.nacse.org/classroom/lichens/denison/fig9.html Lichens] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080820213521/http://ocid.nacse.org/classroom/lichens/denison/fig9.html |date=2008-08-20 }} Because its thallus is made entirely of powdery soredia that covers the substrate like a crust, Chrysothrix candelaris is a leprose lichen.
Laundon described three chemotypes of this species: one with the chemical cyclin, one with {{chem name|pinastric acid}}, and a third with both of these compounds.
Life cycle
Miscellaneous
This lichen can be used as an indicator to monitor air quality.
References
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Category:Lichens described in 1753
Category:Lichens of Macaronesia