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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia glauca
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pixie Cup Lichen and its Relatives (Cladonia spp.)
The genus Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichen, encompasses a variety of moss-like lichens. These fascinating organisms are a symbiotic partnership between algae and fungus, creating unique structures and playing vital roles in various ecosystems.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species may have cup-like structures that could potentially be ingested by curious pets.
Considerations for Children
- The small, cup-like shapes may be attractive to young children.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Cladonia (cup lichen)
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Common Names
- Cup Lichen
- Pixie Cup Lichen
- Pyxie Cup Lichen
- Forest Trumpets
Notable Species
- Cladonia asahinae (pixie cup lichen)
- Cladonia pyxidata
- Cladonia chlorophaea (False Pixie Cup)
- Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
- Cladonia borealis
- Cladonia fimbriata (Fringed Cup Lichen)
- Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
- Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
- Cladonia pocillum
- Cladonia bellidiflora
- Cladonia macilenta
- Cladonia monomorpha
Distribution and Habitat
Cladonia species are often found in boreal forests and other areas with poor soils. They typically grow on the forest floor, on logs, at the base of trees, on moss, and on rock outcrops.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cladonia lichens have upright fruiting stalks.
- Many species are characterized by cup-shaped structures (podetia), resembling tiny cups or trumpets.
- Podetia can be funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base.
- The exterior of the podetia may be covered in corticate granules.
- Soredia (small clusters of algal and fungal cells) are often abundant and farinose (powdery).
Ecological Role
- Cladonia lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Traditional Uses
- Boiled with milk or syrup, some Cladonia species have been traditionally used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
Quirky Facts
- Some describe the shape of Cladonia podetia as resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- The pixie cup lichen gets its name from its appearance, a tiny cup (1/2 inch high) on the forest floor.
Further Information
For more in-depth information, consult field guides, online databases, and lichen societies. ResearchGate also provides scientific publications on Cladonia species.