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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia gracilis ssp. vulnerata
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia spp.)
Cladonia, commonly known as pixie cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. Often described as looking like "Shrek's ears" or miniature golf tees, these lichens add a touch of whimsy to the environments they inhabit.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Cladonia species can be found in terrariums.
Considerations for Children
- The name "pixie cup" and their small, cup-like shape might be attractive to children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia spp.
- Common Name(s): Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
- They are known to thrive in exposed subalpine sites and grow on poor soils and fallen logs.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (for Cladonia chlorophaea) and rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge.
- They are commonly found across the boreal forest.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cladonia lichens exhibit upright fruiting stalks.
- They are moss-like in appearance.
- Their podetia (stalks) can be funnel-shaped, tapering gradually towards the base.
- The exterior of the podetia can be variably clothed with corticate granules and sometimes soredia.
- The cup-like structures are typically small, around 1/2 inch high.
- Some species, like Cladonia chlorophaea, have erect, hollow cup-like growths with unbranched, round-toothed, and curled cups.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Quirky Facts
- They can resemble miniature golf tees and are sometimes described as looking like Shrek's ears.
- One historical use involves boiling the lichen with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- They form symbiotic relationships between algae and fungus.
- Cladonia species grow on moss, particularly Chorisodontium.
- They can cohabitate with other lichen species like Cladonia macilenta.
Specific Species Mentioned
- Cladonia asahinae
- Cladonia pyxidata (pyxie cup lichen)
- Cladonia borealis
- Cladonia fimbriata (fringed cup lichen)
- Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
- Cladonia pocillum
- Cladonia monomorpha
- Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
- Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
- Cladonia chlorophaea
- Cladonia bellidiflora