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.Lichenes ImperfectaeAlvin, Kenneth L. (1977), The Observer's Book of Lichens. London : Frederick Warne. . 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,Lichenology normally in dry shaded parts. and occasionally on the sheltered faces of siliceous rocks.Alan Silverside's lichens It is found in North America, Scotland, Hungary, 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. LatviaLatvia lichen records and has been recorded in the Cape Verde Islands.
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.Lichens 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 , and a third with both of these compounds.
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.
Miscellaneous This lichen can be used as an indicator to monitor air quality.
See also List of lichens named by Carl Linnaeus
References