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cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia anitae

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cladonia: The Cup Lichens

Cladonia is a genus of fascinating moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. Often referred to as "cup lichens" due to their distinctive cup-shaped structures, these organisms are a common sight in various environments.

Considerations for Children

  • The pixie cup lichen is small, typically only about 1/2 inch high, resembling tiny cups on the forest floor.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Cladonia species form cup-like structures that could potentially be ingested by curious pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia
  • Common Name: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
  • Family: Cladoniaceae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cladonia species are found in a variety of habitats, including boreal forests.
  • They frequently grow on moss, logs, the bases of trees, and poor soils, particularly in wet lowland areas and exposed subalpine sites.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cladonia lichens often exhibit cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks.
  • Some species have podetia (stalk-like structures) shaped like miniature golf tees or "Shrek's Ears," sometimes with a sprinkling of light-grey-green coloration.
  • The cup-like growths are often hollow, unbranched, and may have round-toothed, curled edges.
  • Podetia can be funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base and covered with corticate granules.

Ecological Role

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

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens, including Cladonia, represent a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.

Quirky Facts

  • Historically, some people have boiled Cladonia with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Examples of Cladonia Species

  • Cladonia asahinae
  • Cladonia pyxidata (Pyxie cup lichen)
  • Cladonia borealis
  • Cladonia fimbriata
  • Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
  • Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
  • Cladonia chlorophaea
  • Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
  • Cladonia monomorpha
  • Cladonia pocillum
  • Cladonia bellidiflora
  • Cladonia macilenta