Photo Library

Select species name for more information and other photos.

Xanthoria

  • enlarged photo
  • Image author: Stephen & Sylvia Sharnoff ©
  • The 'elegant sunburst lichen', Xanthoria elegans, on rock. The Haisla and Hanaksiala in British Columbia used this lichen as a pigment for face paint. It is easy to confuse this lichen (common in western North America) with some of the lobate species of Caloplaca, especially Caloplaca ignea. A quick test is to gently peel up the edge of a lobe; if it can be removed from the rock without falling apart, it's the Xanthoria.
  • Yukon Territory, Canada
  • Original image
  • Website: Lichens of North America

 

University of Alaska Fairbanks logo Alaska Geobotany Center
The University of Alaska Fairbanks is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and educational institution.
Loading

Last modified: January 17, 2012