The thallus of * C. xanthostigma* is composed of yellow granules, sometimes rather fine. Therefore, the species may resemble C. pulchella. It is a relatively common lichen, especially on bark of deciduous trees (ashes and oaks). Seldomly, it may grow also on wood. It occurs mainly in open deciduous and mixed forests, but may be found also in parks and avenues. It avoids strongly eutrophicated and acidified habitats. The species is common both in Europe and the Czech Republic.
Candelariella xanthostigma is currently understood as a polyphyletic taxon that requires further study. Moreover, it belongs to a complex of several mutually similar epiphytic species, of which C. boleana (with globose spores) occurs rarely in the Czech Republic, and the occurrence of the very similar C. faginea (with a variable number of spores per ascus) is also theoretically possible.
Literature: van der Kolk H., Westberg M. & Malíček J. (2025): Morphological and molecular data support the distinction of four sorediate corticolous Candelariella species in Europe. – The Lichenologist 57: 144–165.
taxonomic classification:Ascomycota → Lichinomycetes → Candelariales → Candelariaceae → Candelariella
Red List (Liška & Palice 2010):LC – least concern
Occurrence in the Czech Republic
All records: 623, confirmed 472. One click on a selected square displays particular record(s), including their source(s).