SafePlants

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. These lichens are well-known for their distinctive cup-shaped structures and their ecological importance.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks that might be interesting to curious pets.
• Lichens are sometimes found growing on logs or rocks, which may present a risk depending on the stability of the substrate.

Considerations for Children

• The cup-like structures, or podetia, can be small (around 1/2 inch) and might be tempting for young children to pick or ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia (genus)
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
• Examples of Species:
  • Cladonia asahinae
  • Cladonia pyxidata (pyxie cup lichen)
  • Cladonia borealis
  • Cladonia fimbriata (fringed cup lichen)
  • Cladonia chlorophaea
  • Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
  • Cladonia monomorpha
  • Cladonia pocillum
  • Cladonia bellidiflora
  • Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
  • Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
  • Cladonia macilenta
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Some species, like Cladonia pyxidata, may have variations such as Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia lichens are characterized by their moss-like appearance and the presence of cup-shaped structures called podetia.
• The podetia can vary in shape, sometimes resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
• Some species have funnel-shaped podetia that taper towards the base.
• The exterior of the podetia can be covered with corticate granules or soredia.
• Apothecia (fruiting bodies) can be present, sometimes with red apothecia (e.g., in "red pixie cup").

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including:
  • Forest floors
  • On moss, particularly Chorisodontium
  • On logs and at the base of trees
  • Rock outcrops
  • Exposed subalpine sites with poor soils and fallen logs
  • Boreal forests

Traditional Uses

• Historically, some have been boiled with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia lichens are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
• They form symbiotic relationships with algae and fungi.

Quirky Facts

• One species looks like Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees.
• They have also been referred to as "Forest Trumpets".
• Some have been used with unicorn figurines to make "magic".

Further Information

• ResearchGate: For scientific publications, such as "Cladonia monomorpha, a neglected cup lichen from Europe."
• Lichen Society: For information on Cladonia species with brown apothecia.