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cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia humilis

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cladonia: The Cup Lichen

The genus Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichen, encompasses a diverse group of moss-like lichens. These fascinating organisms are a symbiotic partnership between algae and fungi. They add a unique touch to various ecosystems and sometimes find their way into miniature landscapes.

Considerations for Pets

  • Small Size: Some Cladonia species, like the pixie cup lichen, are quite small (around 1/2 inch high). Due to their size and brittle nature they could present a potential choking hazard, particularly for smaller animals if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • Small Size: Similar to concerns for pets, the small size of some Cladonia species could pose a choking hazard for young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia
  • Common Name: Cup lichen
  • Family: Cladoniaceae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cladonia species are boreal lichens, commonly found across the boreal forest.
  • They often grow on moss, logs, rocks, at the base of trees, and in exposed subalpine sites with poor soils.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cladonia lichens often have upright fruiting stalks.
  • They exhibit a variety of forms, including cup-like structures (podetia) shaped like miniature cups or golf tees.
  • Some species have funnel-shaped podetia, while others have cups with round-toothed and curled edges.

Ecological Role

  • Cladonia lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cladonia lichens exist in a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
  • They are sometimes found growing among mosses.

Quirky Facts

  • Some compare the shape of *Cladonia* podetia to "Shrek's Ears."
  • Historically, boiling cup lichens with milk or syrup has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Specific Species Mentioned

  • Cladonia asahinae (Pixie cup lichen)
  • 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