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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia maxima
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Pixie Cup Lichen and Other Cladonia Species
The genus Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen, encompasses a variety of fascinating lichen species found in diverse environments. This group belongs to the family Cladoniaceae and exhibits a range of interesting characteristics and ecological roles.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Cladonia species can have upright fruiting stalks.
- Some species may contain farinose soredia (small dust like propagules).
Considerations for Children
- Cladonia, such as the Pixie Cup Lichen, are often small (e.g., ½ inch high cups).
- Some Cladonia species can have upright fruiting stalks.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia (genus)
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen (specifically for Cladonia asahinae and other similar species)
- Synonyms/Variations:
- Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum is an alternative name for Cladonia pocillum.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are boreal lichens, frequently found across the boreal forest.
- They often grow on the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
- They can thrive in exposed subalpine sites where they grow on poor soils and fallen logs.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (Cladonia chlorophaea on rotting stumps in wet lowlands) and rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River area.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cladonia are moss-like lichens.
- They feature cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks.
- Some species have podetia shaped like "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- The Pixie Cup Lichen (e.g., Cladonia pyxidata) resembles a tiny cup on the forest floor.
- Some species have funnel-shaped podetia that taper gradually towards the base, variably clothed with corticate granules.
- Some cups are unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- As lichens, Cladonia are composed of algae and fungus in a symbiotic relationship.
- They can grow among mosses. Specifically, Cladonia asahinae grows on moss, particularly Chorisodontium.
- They can form colonies with other lichens, such as Cladonia macilenta growing in a Brachythecium frigidum and Cladonia Scales Lichen colony.
Traditional Uses
- When boiled with milk or syrup, some Cladonia species have been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
Quirky Facts
- Some describe the appearance of certain Cladonia species as resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- The "pixie dust" appearance on some species adds to their whimsical appeal.