A common lichen, distinguished from similar X. loxodes by narrower lobes, smaller isidia, darker colour and mainly the presence of stenosporic and divaricatic acids as the main secondary metabolites in the medulla. Chemically, it is identical to the non-isidiate X. pulla and young X. verruculifera thalli without isidia or apothecia are unrecognizable.
The species is widely distributed in Europe, from the Mediterranean to the temperate zone. It grows on acidic to slightly basic siliceous rocks and stones. It may also grow on anthropogenic stands but is less nitrophilous than similar X. loxodes. In the Czech Republic, it is probably quite abundant from the lowlands to the mountains. But the herbarium specimens require revision because it was not always distinguished from X. loxodes in the past.
taxonomic classification:Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Parmeliaceae → Xanthoparmelia
Red List (Liška & Palice 2010):LC – least concern
Occurrence in the Czech Republic
All records: 200, confirmed 140. One click on a selected square displays particular record(s), including their source(s).