SafePlants

Cladonia (Cup Lichen)

Cladonia, commonly called cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of Cladonia, such as the pixie cup lichen, have cup-like structures (podetia) that could be ingested by pets, especially if found in terrariums or gardens.

Considerations for Children

• The small, cup-shaped structures of pixie cup lichens could be tempting for young children to pick and handle.
• Historically, some Cladonia species have been used in remedies, such as for whooping cough when boiled with milk or syrup. This suggests the presence of substances that could have an effect, though the specific impact is not detailed in the text.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup lichen, pixie cup lichen
• Example Species: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia monomorpha

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are often found in boreal forests.
• They typically grow on the forest floor, on logs, at the base of trees, or on rock outcrops.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula, the Columbia River Gorge (Eagle Creek Trail), and the Pocono Mountains.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia lichens are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia lichens are moss-like in appearance.
• They often have upright fruiting stalks.
• Some species, like pixie cup lichens, have distinctive cup-shaped structures (podetia) that are typically small (around 1/2 inch high). The podetia of some species taper towards the base and may be covered in corticate granules.
• Some species have "splash cups" covered in soredia.

Quirky Facts

• The appearance of Cladonia podetia has been likened to "Shrek's Ears" or "miniature golf-tees."

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cladonia lichens are a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
• They often grow among mosses.
• Some Cladonia species can form colonies with other lichens, such as Cladonia macilenta.