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cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia metacorallifera

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Pixie Cup Lichen and Other Cup Lichens (Cladonia spp.)

Cladonia, commonly called cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens are known for their distinctive cup-shaped structures and play various roles in different ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Small Parts: Some Cladonia species, like the "pixie cup lichen," feature small, cup-like structures (podetia) that might be tempting for pets or small children to pick up and potentially ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia (genus)
  • Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen (for some species)
  • Family: Cladoniaceae
  • Species Examples: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia macilenta

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cup lichens are found in various environments, including boreal forests and subalpine sites.
  • They often grow on moss, logs, forest floors, and at the base of trees.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula and the Columbia River (Eagle Creek Trail).

Ecological Role

  • Cladonia species are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
  • They often grow on poor soils and fallen logs in exposed areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cup lichens are characterized by cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks (podetia).
  • Podetia shapes vary, some resembling miniature golf tees or "Shrek's ears."
  • Some species have funnel-shaped podetia, sometimes covered with corticate granules.
  • Colors range from greenish-grey to light-grey-green.
  • Some species exhibit upright fruiting stalks.

Quirky Facts

  • Some describe the appearance of pixie cup lichen as being sprinkled with "light-grey-green pixie dust."
  • Historically, some have boiled cup lichens with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Lichens are symbiotic relationships between algae and fungus.
  • They can grow among mosses.

Resources

  • Lichen Society
  • ONH | eugraph