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cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia bellidiflora

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

*Cladonia* (Cup Lichen)

Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens are known for their distinctive cup-shaped structures (podetia) and play a significant ecological role.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some *Cladonia* species have upright fruiting stalks.

Considerations for Children

  • The lichen has cup-like structures.

Quirky Facts

  • Some descriptions liken the appearance of *Cladonia* to "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
  • They have been described to look like battered and sand-blasted miniature golf tees.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: *Cladonia*
  • Family: Cladoniaceae
  • Common Names: Cup lichen, pixie cup lichen
  • Examples of species: *Cladonia asahinae*, *Cladonia pyxidata*, *Cladonia borealis*, *Cladonia fimbriata*, *Cladonia coccifera*, *Cladonia chlorophaea*, *Cladonia monomorpha*, *Cladonia pocillum*, *Cladonia bellidiflora*, *Cladonia cristatella*, *Cladonia pityrea*, and *Cladonia macilenta*.
  • Synonyms: The text mentions that *Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum* is another name for *Cladonia pocillum*.

Distribution and Habitat

  • *Cladonia* species are often found in boreal forests and exposed subalpine sites.
  • They typically grow on mosses, logs, rocks, or at the base of trees.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula, Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, and the Pocono Mountains.

Ecological Role

  • *Cladonia* lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Morphological Characteristics

  • *Cladonia* are moss-like lichens with distinctive cup-shaped structures (podetia).
  • The size of the cups can be quite small, approximately 1/2 inch high in the case of *Cladonia pyxidata*.
  • Some species have upright fruiting stalks, with cups that are unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically, some *Cladonia* species have been boiled with milk or syrup and used as a remedy for whooping cough and other chest ailments.