Day 237: Two very similar species of Xanthoria occur on the west coast of North America. Xanthoria parietina is primarily a coastal species while Xanthoria polycarpa (shown) can be found further inland. The two species can be quite difficult to differentiate when observed in the transition zone.
It is interesting to note that X. parietina is believed to have been introduced from Australia. X. polycarpa is native, and its range extends from central Alaska southward. The taxonomy is derived from the Latin "xanthus," meaning "yellow" and "polycarpus," "many-fruited" (referring to the abundant apothecial disks).
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