SafePlants

Pixie Cup Lichen and Other Cladonia Species

Lichens belonging to the genus Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichens, are fascinating organisms found in various environments. This genus encompasses a diverse range of species, including the well-known Pixie Cup Lichen.

Considerations for Pets

• Several species grow on rotting wood, moss, or humus, which are common elements in some pet habitats or gardens.

Considerations for Children

• Some Cladonia species form small, cup-like structures or stalks that could be tempting for children to pick or play with.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Cladonia
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Cup lichens are a genus of moss-like lichens.

Common Names

• Cup Lichen (general term)
• Pixie Cup Lichen (for species like Cladonia asahinae and Cladonia pyxidata)
• British Soldier Lichen (Cladonia cristatella)
• Forest Trumpets
• Elf Cup Lichen (Cladonia coccifera)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including mossy areas, forests, and subalpine sites.
• They often grow on acidic soil, rotting wood, moss, humus covering tree bases, and rock outcrops.
• Some species are particularly common in boreal forests.
• Cladonia chlorophaea is common on rotting stumps in wet lowland areas, such as the Olympic Peninsula.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia lichens are often described as moss-like in appearance.
• They can exhibit various shapes, including cup-like structures (podetia) and upright fruiting stalks.
• The podetia of some species resemble "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
• Some pixie-cup lichens have funnel-shaped podetia that taper toward the base.
• The cups of some species are unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
• Cladonia monomorpha is characterized by thallus lobes with narrowly recurved margins.

Ecological Role

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

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cladonia lichens are symbiotic associations between algae and fungi.
• They often grow among mosses.

Quirky Facts

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