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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia leporina
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
*Cladonia* (Cup Lichen)
Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- The text mentions the lichen having cup-like structures and podetia (miniature golf-tee shapes), which could be of interest to children and pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Name(s): Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are boreal lichens, occurring across the boreal forest.
- They grow on moss, particularly Chorisodontium, and on the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
- They can also be found on poor soils and fallen logs in exposed subalpine sites.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- They are moss-like lichens with upright fruiting stalks.
- They have cup-shaped fruiting bodies.
- Some species have funnel-shaped podetia tapering gradually towards the base.
- Podetia exteriors are variably clothed with corticate granules.
- They can exhibit abundant, farinose soredia.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species are the primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Traditional Uses
- When boiled with milk or syrup, some Cladonia species have been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
Synonyms and Subspecies
- Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum.
- Cladonia chlorophaea.
Quirky Facts
- The shape of *Cladonia* podetia has been compared to Shrek's ears or miniature golf tees.