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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia crispata var. crispata
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
- Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks, which might be tempting for some pets to play with or ingest.
- Descriptions mention the lichen growing on decaying wood and in forest environments where contact with other organisms is more likely.
Considerations for Children
- The "pixie cup" name and appearance, resembling miniature cups or golf tees, may make these lichens attractive to children.
- They are found on the forest floor.
- Cladonia species sometimes have small parts, such as corticate granules or farinose soredia, which may pose a choking hazard.
- Historically, some Cladonia species have been boiled with milk or syrup to treat ailments, suggesting potential interactions if ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are found in various environments, including boreal forests, rock outcrops, and on the forest floor.
- They often grow on moss, rotting stumps, logs, and at the base of trees.
- Some species thrive in exposed subalpine sites with poor soils and fallen logs.
- They have been observed along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge and in the Pocono Mountains.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cladonia species are moss-like lichens characterized by their cup-shaped structures (podetia).
- The podetia can resemble miniature golf tees or Shrek's ears.
- Some species have funnel-shaped podetia that taper towards the base.
- The exterior can be clothed with corticate granules and sometimes farinose soredia.
- Some varieties, like Cladonia chlorophaea, have erect cup-like growths that are unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia lichens are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Quirky Facts
- The appearance of the lichen has been compared to "Shrek's ears" or miniature golf tees.
- Some people are in love with lichens and find them to be amazing little things.