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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia pachycladodes
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 belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Cladonia species have cup-shaped structures called podetia.
Considerations for Children
- Cladonia species have cup-shaped structures called podetia that can look like miniature cups or golf tees.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Cladonia
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Species Examples: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia bellidiflora, and Cladonia macilenta.
- Synonyms: Some sources list Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum as another name for Cladonia pocillum.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are found in various environments, including boreal forests, subalpine sites, and on the forest floor.
- They commonly grow on mosses, logs, at the base of trees, and on poor soils.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula and along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River region.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Cladonia species are moss-like lichens with upright fruiting stalks.
- They often feature cup-shaped structures called podetia, which can vary in shape and size. Some are funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base.
- Podetia exteriors can be clothed with corticate granules.
- Some species have soredia, which are abundant and farinose.
- The pixie cup (Cladonia pyxidata) features a tiny cup (approximately 1/2 inch high).
- Colors can vary, including light-grey-green and greenish-grey.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cladonia is a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
- It can grow among mosses, such as on Devonian Red Sandstone boulders.
Quirky Facts
- The podetia of some species are described as shaped like Shrek's ears or miniature golf tees.
- Historically, some cultures have boiled Cladonia with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.