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Gray's cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia grayi
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cladonia grayi: Gray's Cup Lichen
Cladonia grayi, commonly known as Gray's Cup Lichen, is a lichen species belonging to the Cladoniaceae family. It is also known as Gray's Pixie-cup Lichen.
Considerations for Pets
- Lichens in general, if ingested over a long period, may irritate the kidneys.
Considerations for Children
- The text mentions "cup-like tips" which may be of interest to children but also potential choking hazard if detached and ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia grayi G. Merr. ex Sandst.
- Common Names: Gray's Cup Lichen, Gray's Pixie-cup Lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- The text mentions its presence in locations such as Worcester Co., Maryland, and Stippelberg, Netherlands.
- Cladonia species, in general, are widely distributed and often found on the ground or on rocks, especially in northern regions.
- Specimens also found in central Colorado, likely on the flanks of Gray's Peak.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cladonia grayi is a lichen, a composite organism.
- The podetium (stalk-like structure) can be branched and sometimes forms cup-like structures.
- Lichens in this genus can be yellow, gray, or brown.
- The thallus (body) varies in shape.
- Descriptions include "cups: 4-7 (-15) mm wide, generally symmetrical base."
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Lichens are composite organisms arising from algae or cyanobacteria.
Quirky Facts
- The text mentions a "Lichen T" sponsored by the Chicago.
- Gray Jays are known to use lichen to hide food, gluing it under lichen.