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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia ochrochlora
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cladonia (Cup Lichen)
Cladonia, commonly referred to 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 have cup-like structures, which, while small (e.g., ½ inch high), might be ingested by pets.
Considerations for Children
- The cup-like structures of some Cladonia species, resembling "Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees," may be attractive to young children.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Synonyms: Some texts list Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum as an alternative name for Cladonia pocillum.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are boreal lichens, commonly found across the boreal forest.
- They often grow on the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
- They can also be found on rock outcrops.
- Some species thrive in exposed subalpine sites, growing on poor soils and fallen logs.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (for Cladonia chlorophaea) and the Columbia River (Eagle Creek Trail).
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cladonia are described as moss-like lichens.
- They often exhibit cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks (podetia).
- The podetia of some species are funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base.
- Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
- The "cups" are often described as small, with some species reaching about 1/2 inch high.
- Some species have cups that are unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
- The exterior of the podetia can be clothed with corticate granules.
- Soredia can be abundant and farinose.
Quirky Facts
- The appearance of Cladonia podetia is described as resembling "Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees, albeit somewhat battered and sand-blasted ones."
- One source mentions adding a unicorn figurine to pixie cup lichens to "make some magic happen."
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cladonia is a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
- It grows on moss, particularly Chorisodontium.
- Cladonia macilenta can grow in colonies of Brachythecium frigidum and Cladonia scales lichen.