About Xanthoparmelia conspersa (Ehrh. ex Ach.) Hale
Xanthoparmelia conspersa, formally named Xanthoparmelia conspersa (Ehrh. ex Ach.) Hale, has a thallus that attaches either tightly or loosely to its substrate. The thallus measures 4โ12 cm (1.6โ4.7 in) across, and is formed of narrow, crowded, usually overlapping lobes each 1โ3 mm wide. The upper surface of the thallus often bears isidia, which range in shape from spherical to branched cylinders. The lower thallus surface is black, except near the lobe tips, where it can be pale to dark brown. Its rhizines are coarse, black, simple (unbranched), and 0.5โ1 mm long. Ascospores of this species measure 5โ6 by 9โ10 ฮผm. Known secondary metabolites produced by Xanthoparmelia conspersa include usnic acid, hyposalazinic acid, stictic acid, and norstictic acid. This lichen grows on siliceous rocks, especially granite, and typically occurs in sunny habitats. It has been recorded in Asia (Japan), Europe, Africa, North America, and South America.
