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Xanthoria ectaneoides (Nyl.) Zahlbr.
(= Xanthoria aureola (Ach.) Erichsen [invalid – ICBN art. 57.1])
Note that X. parietina is also often abundant on coastal rocks and the two species are frequently confused. When they grow together, X. ectaneoides is clearly distinct, though young thalli may be difficult to assign. Lobe tips of X. ectaneoides are generally less than 2mm wide, but variation in X. parietina is such that measurements are often of little value in identification.
Refs: Smith et al. (2009), 968 (as X. aureola); Purvis et al. (1992), 647; Dobson (2005), 462 (photo).
Nomenclatural note: this species is now considered to be the true Xanthoria aureola (Ach.) Erichsen and this name has been introduced in place of 'X. ectaneoides'. However, the name 'X. aureola' has a long history of application to the species we now know as X. calcicola and an internet search quickly confirms continuing use of the name in that sense. Consequently, reapplication of 'X. aureola', even though presumably supported by examination of the original type, will cause considerable and long-lasting confusion and is contrary to Article 57 of the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature. At present, the name 'X. ectaneoides' should continue to be used for the taxon depicted here.
Photographs: Arbroath, Angus, April 2002 (top); Kennedy's Pass, Ayrshire, May 2008 – barren and fertile thalli; habitat shot showing occurrence on supralittoral rocks with Ochrolechia parella, Tephromela atra, Anaptychia runcinata, Ramalina siliquosa, Grimma maritima, Armeria maritima, Festuca rubra subsp. pruinosa (the stiff, blue grass), etc.
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Uploaded August 2008, last updated July 2010 (first hosted at www-biol.paisley.ac.uk, January 2003, substantially extended)
