SafePlants

Pixie Cup Lichen and Other Cladonia Species

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

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cladonia species grow on logs and the forest floor.

Considerations for Children

• The "pixie cup" name suggests a visual resemblance to small cups, which may be appealing to children.
• Some Cladonia species grow on logs and the forest floor.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia (genus)
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen (for some species, e.g., Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata), British Soldier Lichen (Cladonia cristatella), Pityrea Lichen (Cladonia pityrea), Elf Cup Lichen (Cladonia coccifera), Fringed cup lichen (Cladonia fimbriata), Forest Trumpets.
• Example Species: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia macilenta.
• Synonyms: Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum (for Cladonia pocillum)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including mossy areas, particularly on Chorisodontium moss, on forest floors, logs, at the base of trees, rock outcrops, exposed subalpine sites, and Devonian Red Sandstone boulders.
• They are often found in wet lowland areas.
• Boreal lichens occur across the boreal forest.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cladonia species are moss-like lichens.
• They often have cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks called podetia.
• Podetia shapes can vary, sometimes resembling miniature golf tees or battered, sand-blasted structures.
• Some species, like Cladonia pyxidata, form tiny cups (approximately 1/2 inch high).
• Podetia can be funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base, and variably covered with corticate granules.
• Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
• Cups can be unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
• Thallus lobes can be narrowly recurved.
• Soredia may be abundant and farinose, sometimes enlarging.
• Some species have red apothecia.

Quirky Facts

• Some describe the shape of certain Cladonia species' podetia as resembling "Shrek's Ears".
• Pixie cup lichens can be incorporated into magical terrariums, perhaps with a unicorn figurine.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia species are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
• They form symbiotic relationships between algae and fungus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cladonia asahinae grows on moss, particularly Chorisodontium.
• They can grow in colonies alongside other lichens, such as Cladonia macilenta.

Traditional Uses

• When boiled with milk or syrup, some Cladonia species have been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.