Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa

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Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa
Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa (4007424231).jpg
In Bozeman, Montana
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lecanoromycetes
Order: Lecanorales
Family: Parmeliaceae
Genus: Xanthoparmelia
Species:
X. chlorochroa
Binomial name
Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa
(Tuck.) Hale (1974)
Synonyms
  • Parmelia chlorochroaTuck. (1860)

Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa, known as the tumbleweed shield lichen [1] or ground lichen, is a foliose lichen in the Parmeliaceae family. It is not fixed to a substrate, and blows around in the wind from location to location.

Contents

Distribution and habitat

This lichen is abundant on the High Plains of Wyoming. [2] Its distribution covers intermountain regions of western North America, and Mexico. [3]

Physiology

Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa demonstrates distinct patterns in how it manages water content, which is crucial for its survival and growth. Research has shown that this lichen can hold water content ranging from 0% to over 100% of its dry weight, with optimal physiological activity occurring above 40% water content. When completely saturated, the lichen can develop surface water films that significantly affect its water retention capabilities. Studies using impedance measurement techniques (which measure the resistance to electrical current flow) have revealed that X. chlorochroa responds differently to water content at various hydration levels. The lichen shows particularly sensitive responses both when it has surface water present and when it begins to dry out below 40% water content. This water management system allows X. chlorochroa to rapidly respond to available moisture in its often dry grassland habitat, while also helping it maintain metabolic activity during periods of limited water availability. [4]

Uses

Tumbleweed shield lichen is used as a dye by Navajo rug weavers. [5] It has been used as a remedy for impetigo by the Navajo. [6]

Toxicity

It was implicated in the poisoning of domestic sheep and cattle in Wyoming during the 1930s. [2] [7] It has also been implicated in the poisoning of elk in 2004. [7]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Dailey, Rebecca N.; Montgomery, Donald L.; Ingram, James T.; Siemion, Roger; Raisbeck, Merl F. (November 2008). "Experimental reproduction of tumbleweed shield lichen (Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa) poisoning in a domestic sheep model". Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation. 20 (6): 760–765. doi: 10.1177/104063870802000607 . ISSN   1040-6387. PMID   18987225.
  2. 1 2 Geiser, L.; McCune, B. (1997). Macrolichens of the Pacific Northwest. Corvallis: Oregon State University Press. ISBN   0-87071-394-9.
  3. ↑ Egan, Robert S.; Lendemer, James (2016). "Xanthoparmelia in Mexico". In Herrera-Campos, Maria; Pérez-Pérez, Rosa Emilia; Nash, Thomas H. III (eds.). Lichens of Mexico. The Parmeliaceae – Keys, distribution and specimen descriptions. Bibliotheca Lichenologica. Vol. 110. Stuttgart: J. Cramer. p. 634. ISBN   978-3-443-58089-6.
  4. ↑ Coxson, Darwyn S. (1991). "Impedance measurement of thallus moisture content in lichens". The Lichenologist. 23 (1): 77–84. doi:10.1017/S0024282991000130.
  5. ↑ Brough, S.G. (1988). "Navajo Lichen Dyes". The Lichenologist. 20 (3): 279–290. doi:10.1017/S0024282988000313.
  6. ↑ "Xanthoparmelia chlorochroa". Archived from the original on 11 March 2009. Retrieved 23 March 2009.
  7. 1 2 Cook, Walter E.; Raisbeck, Merl F.; Cornish, Todd E.; Williams, Elizabeth S.; Brown, Benge; Hiatt, Greg; Kreeger, Terry J. (July 2007). "Paresis and Death in Elk (Cervus elaphus) Due to Lichen Intoxication in Wyoming". Journal of Wildlife Diseases. 43 (3): 498–503. doi: 10.7589/0090-3558-43.3.498 . PMID   17699088.
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