SafePlants

Cladonia: The Fascinating Cup Lichen

Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens are easily recognizable by their cup-shaped structures and play a significant role in various ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

• Cladonia species are sometimes described as having small parts or a "pixie dust" like covering which could pose a risk if ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

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

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are often found in boreal forests.
• They thrive in exposed subalpine sites, growing on poor soils and fallen logs.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (Cladonia chlorophaea), the Eagle Creek Trail along the Columbia River, and the Pocono Mountains.

Ecological Role

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

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia lichens have a moss-like appearance.
• They are known for their cup-shaped structures (podetia), which may resemble "Shrek's ears" or miniature golf tees.
• Some species, like the pixie cup lichen (Cladonia pyxidata), have tiny cups (approximately 1/2 inch high).
• The "trumpet lichen" exhibits funnel-shaped podetia.
• Some species are greenish-grey.

Traditional Uses

• Historically, Cladonia has been boiled with milk or syrup and used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• As lichens, Cladonia species are symbiotic associations between algae and fungi.
• Cladonia asahinae grows on moss, particularly Chorisodontium.
• Cladonia macilenta has been found growing in a Brachythecium frigidum lichen colony.

Quirky Facts

• The cup shapes of some Cladonia species are referred to as "splash cups".

Specific Species Mentioned:

• Cladonia asahinae
• Cladonia bellidiflora
• Cladonia borealis
• Cladonia chlorophaea
• Cladonia coccifera
• Cladonia cristatella
• Cladonia fimbriata
• Cladonia macilenta
• Cladonia monomorpha
• Cladonia pityrea
• Cladonia pocillum (Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum)
• Cladonia pyxidata