A distinctive foliose species with bright orange-red, narrow lobes that are discrete and closely adpressed and may form a neat circular patch. In larger specimens the centre of the thallus falls out. Apothecia are often numerous and are similarly orange-red with crenulate margins.
Xanthoria elegans occurs mainly in the east of Scotland where it can be found on well-lit, nutrient-enriched siliceous and calcareous rocks that are used as bird-perches in upland areas, and on concrete and slate in lowland areas. BLS distribution map
scottishlichens.co.uk 