Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis


Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis is a foliose lichen that belongs to the genus Xanthoparmelia. The lichen is also known as the Kamchatka rock-shield lichen. The lichen was formally described as a new species in 1974 by American lichenologist Mason Hale.

Description

The thallus is foliose and can grow up to in diameter. The upper surface of the thallus is yellowish-green to grayish-green in color, while the lower surface is black. The lichen produces, which are small, cup-shaped structures that contain the reproductive parts of the lichen. The apothecia are typically dark brown in color and can reach up to in diameter.

Habitat and range

The lichen is found in high elevation regions around the globe including the Rocky Mountains of North America and Mongolia.