Xanthoparmelia sp.

Rock-shield lichen (foliose lichen) at Isaacs, ACT

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Identification history

	Xanthoparmelia sp.	21 Aug 2019	Heino1
	Xanthoparmelia sp.	20 Aug 2019	Mike

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User's notes

Is this Xanthoparmelia scabrosa? With Xanthoparmelia scabrosa being somewhat of a mouthful to say, and with no common name, University of Otago lichenologist Dr Allison Knight, dubbed it “sexy footpath lichen” in a talk given to the Auckland Botanical Society many years ago. There are claims the lichen is a natural Viagra and while scientific evidence of efficacy is scant, there’s a thriving trade in the hardy but slow-growing lichen. https://www.newsroom.co.nz/@health--science/2019/08/14/745287/please-dont-lick-the-sexy-pavement-lichen

1 comment

Heino1 wrote:

21 Aug 2019

With my limited lichen knowledge all I can say is Xanthoparmelia sp. I was amused, some years ago, when told of an analysis of some ‘lichen viagra’ capsules. The capsules did have lichen traces – and also a good dose of standard over-the-counter viagra. It appears there were some unscrupulous sellers who were flogging supposedly ‘natural viagra’ at a premium. If it’s ‘natural’ it must be worth more! I think there was another oddity (or two) in the capsules, but I’ve forgotten the details – perhaps I need to find a natural, lichen, memory-booster!

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