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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia coccifera
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia spp.)
Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Cup lichens can grow on logs or at the base of trees, areas that may be accessible to pets exploring outdoors.
- Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks.
Considerations for Children
- The "pixie cup" name and miniature cup-like structures may attract the attention of young children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia spp.
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Example species: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia macilenta
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are often found on the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
- They thrive in exposed subalpine sites, growing on poor soils and fallen logs.
- They are boreal lichens, occurring across the boreal forest.
- Examples include the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River and the Olympic Peninsula.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cladonia are moss-like lichens.
- They feature cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks (podetia). Some species have funnel-shaped podetia.
- The "pixie cups" are small, typically around 1/2 inch high.
- They may be shaped like miniature golf tees.
- Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
- Some species have podetia proliferating from the margins.
Quirky Facts
- Cladonia lichens are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
- Historically, when boiled with milk or syrup, some Cladonia species have been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.