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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 known for their distinctive cup-shaped structures and play a vital ecological role.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia spp.
• 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 mosses.
• They are common in boreal forests and can thrive in exposed subalpine sites with poor soils.
• Specific species like Cladonia chlorophaea are found in wet lowland areas, such as the Olympic Peninsula.
• They are also found on rock outcrops.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia lichens are characterized by their cup-shaped structures, known as podetia.
• These podetia can vary in shape, sometimes resembling 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.
• Some species, like those in the Cladonia pyxidata group, have thallus lobes.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou, particularly in boreal forest ecosystems.

Traditional Uses

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