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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia furcata ssp. subrangiformis
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia spp.)
Pixie cup lichen, scientifically known as Cladonia, is a fascinating group of lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens are named for their distinctive cup-like structures, adding a touch of whimsy to the forest floor. Several species are commonly referred to as "pixie cup lichen," including Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, and Cladonia fimbriata.
These lichens are not plants, but rather a symbiotic partnership between fungi and algae.
While often overlooked, lichens like Pixie Cups contribute to the beauty and intricacy of natural environments, inviting us to appreciate the small wonders around us.
Considerations for Pets
- These lichens can contain small parts.
Considerations for Children
- These lichens can contain small parts.
Quirky Facts
- Some describe the appearance of Cladonia species as similar to "Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees."
- One source mentions using these lichens boiled with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
- The name "pixie cup lichen" evokes a sense of magic and wonder, often associated with fairy gardens and miniature landscapes.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are often found growing on the forest floor, typically on logs, at the base of trees, or on rock outcrops.
- They are often found in cooler spaces, in boreal forests, and in subalpine sites with poor soils.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula, Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, and the Pocono Mountains.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Pixie cup lichens are characterized by their cup-like structures, also called podetia, which are typically small (around 1/2 inch high).
- The cups can be funnel-shaped and taper towards the base.
- Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
- Coloration can vary, with descriptions including light-grey-green, greenish-grey, and the presence of red apothecia (fruiting bodies) in some species.
- Some have podetia proliferating from the margins.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou in boreal regions.