SafePlants

Cladonia (Cup Lichen)

Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cladonia species grow on logs or at the base of trees.

Considerations for Children

• Some species are shaped like miniature golf-tees (podetia).
• Some species look like tiny cups (1/2 inch high) on the forest floor.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup Lichen, Pixie Cup Lichen

Key Species:

• Cladonia asahinae (Pixie Cup Lichen)
• Cladonia pyxidata
• Cladonia chlorophaea
• Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
• Cladonia fimbriata
• Cladonia borealis
• Cladonia gracilis
• Cladonia bellidiflora
• Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
• Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
• Cladonia pocillum
• Cladonia macilenta
• Cladonia monomorpha

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are often found in boreal forests.
• They grow on moss, rotting stumps, logs, or at the base of trees, especially in wet lowland environments such as the Olympic Peninsula.
• They can also be found in exposed subalpine sites, growing on poor soils and fallen logs.
• Observed on rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River.

Ecological Role

• They are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia are moss-like lichens.
• They have cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks.
• Some species exhibit upright fruiting stalks.
• Pixie cup lichens feature tiny cup-like structures, approximately 1/2 inch high.
• Some have funnel-shaped podetia tapering gradually towards the base, with exteriors variably clothed with corticate granules.
• Thallus lobes with narrowly recurved.
• Greenish-grey lichen with small cup-like structures arising from its.

Symbiotic Relationship

• As a lichen, Cladonia is composed of algae and fungus in a symbiotic relationship.

Quirky Facts

• Some suggest adding a unicorn figurine to make some magic happen around the lichen.
• When boiled with milk or syrup, it has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
• They are shaped like Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees.

Further Information

• Lichen Society