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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia cervicornis
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia)
Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Cladonia species have cup-like structures.
- May be found on logs or the forest floor.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen (specifically for Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, and other species)
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Examples of other species mentioned: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia gracilis, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia macilenta
Distribution and Habitat
- Boreal forests
- Grows on moss, particularly Chorisodontium
- Found on rotting stumps in wet lowlands, such as on the Olympic Peninsula.
- Exposed subalpine sites, growing on poor soils and fallen logs
- Acidic soil on rotting wood, moss, or humus that covers tree bases
- Rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Moss-like lichens with cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks (podetia).
- Podetia can be funnel-shaped, tapering gradually towards the base.
- May have upright fruiting stalks.
- Cups can be unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
- Exterior variably clothed with corticate granules.
- Thallus lobes can be narrowly recurved.
Ecological Role
- Primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Quirky Facts
- Some describe their appearance as resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- Historically, when boiled with milk or syrup, it has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
- Lichens like these Pixie Cups are perfect for cooler spaces and adding a unicorn figurine to make some magic happen.