Xanthoparmelia plittii


Xanthoparmelia plittii is a foliose lichen in the genus Xanthoparmelia.

Description

Xanthoparmelia plittii grows to around 4-10 cm in diameter with irregularly lobate lobes which are approximately 0.5-2 mm wide. The upper surface of the lichen is yellow-green, with cylindrical isidia. The lower surface is pale or medium brown in color with moderately to densely packed rhizines anchoring the lichen to the surface.
Xanthoparmelia plittii is a member of the Xanthoparmelia mexicana group, a complex of similar species that differ mainly in their secondary chemistry.

Habitat and range

Xanthoparmelia plittii has been observed mostly in North America, but has been found in South America and Europe as well.

Chemistry

Xanthoparmelia plittii has been found to contain usnic acid and stictic acid.