Gewöhnliche Feuerflechte

Lichens are remarkable organisms; they are stable combinations of an alga and/ or a cyanobacteria with a fungus, living together in a symbiotic association (2). The fungus causes the alga to release sugars, which allow the fungus to grow, reproduce and generally survive. The fungus provides protection for the alga, and enables it to live in environments in which it could not survive without the fungal partner (2). A general rule is that the fungal component of a lichen is unable to live independently, but the alga may live without the fungus as a distinct species (6). Many lichens are known to be very sensitive to environmental pollution, and they have been used as 'indicators' of pollution (5).

This species has been monitored at Stackpole National Nature Reserve, where it also receives a level of protection as a result of the site designation (5).

As the common name suggests, scrambled-egg lichen has a thin, crust-like egg-yellow thallus (body), which consists of smaller rosettes and paler blotches (2). The generic part of the scientific name 'Fulgensia' is derived from the Latin word for shining, and refers to the bright yellow colour of the thallus (2).

Occurs on the ground on moss and soil on well-lit free-draining (4) calcareous soils or dunes (2), in warm, open and often south-facing sites near sea level (4).

Occurs in the south and east of England, in Breckland (East Anglia), Somerset, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Wight, but it is rare (4). It also occurs in southwest Wales (5), but has been lost from Sussex (4). It is widespread in warm parts of the Northern Hemisphere especially the Mediterranean, as well as Australia and New Zealand (4).

Classified as Near Threatened in Great Britain (3).

Eutrophication caused by the run-off of fertilisers from fields is thought to have caused the dramatic decline of scrambled-egg lichen at Stackpole National Nature Reserve in southwest Wales. A decline in rabbit grazing and the resultant growth of rank vegetation is also thought to have caused some losses (5). Furthermore, excessive trampling by animals and humans or other soil disturbance will destroy thalli and prevent this slow-growing species from re-establishing and developing again (8).