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cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia dactylota

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.

Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks, which might be of interest to pets.

Cladonia asahinae is commonly known as "pixie cup lichen" due to its small, cup-like structures, which might attract the attention of children. These cups are typically about 1/2 inch high.

Cladonia species are boreal lichens, frequently found across the boreal forest.
They often grow on moss, logs, at the base of trees, and in exposed subalpine sites with poor soils.
Specific locations mentioned include a rock outcrop along the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River, and the Olympic Peninsula (Cladonia chlorophaea).

Cladonia lichens are often described as moss-like.
They feature cup-like structures arising from the main body. These "cups" are sometimes referred to as podetia, which can be funnel-shaped and taper towards the base.
Some species, like Cladonia asahinae (pixie cup lichen), have tiny cup structures.
Some species, like Cladonia monomorpha, has thallus lobes that are narrowly recurved.
The exterior of the podetia can be variably clothed with corticate granules.
Some varieties have abundant, farinose soredia.

The shape of Cladonia podetia has been compared to "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.

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