Vulpicida pinastri (Scop.) J.-E. Mattsson & Lai
Gilded sunshine
Parmeliaceae

Introduction to the Lichens

Photograph

© Bryan Kelly-McArthur     (Photo ID #88235)


Map

E-Flora BC Static Map

Distribution of Vulpicida pinastri unavailable

Species Information

General:
Common Name: The Sunshine Lichens. Reflects the bright yellow coloration of the species.
Medium stratified foliose lichens (ours), corticate above and below, sorediate or not, lobes loosely appressed to loosely attached, somewhat elongate, averaging to 2–7 (–10) mm wide, moderately thick, sometimes bearing protruberant marginal (or occasionally laminal) pycnidia. Upper surface yellowish or yellowish green; lower surface coloured alike with upper surface, except dark toward central portions, sparse rhizines. Medulla yellow. Photobiont green.
Apothecia located near lobe margins and over upper surface, disc brown; spores simple, more or less spherical, colourless, 8 per ascus.
Notes: Vulpicida was formerly treated within Cetraria; see the descriptions in that genus for points of distinction with similar species.
Species description:
Soredia present along lobe margins
Reactions:
All spot tests negative.
Contents:
Pinastric, usnic and vulpinic acids.

SourceLichens of British Columbia

Illustration

If more than one illustration is available for a species (e.g., separate illustrations were provided for two subspecies) then links to the separate images will be provided below. Note that individual subspecies or varietal illustrations are not always available.

Illustration ByTrevor Goward

Habitat and Range

Habitat: Common over (bases of) conifers and deciduous trees and shrubs in open to somewhat shaded inland forests, also rare over acid rock

World Distribution: circumpolar, N to AK, YU, S to NM.

SourceLichens of British Columbia

Synonyms

Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Cetraria pinastri (Scop.) A. Gray
Tuckermannopsis pinastri (Scop.) Hale