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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia perlomera
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 and Children
- Some Cladonia species have cup-like structures (podetia) that could be of interest to pets or children.
- The text mentions the potential use of these lichens when boiled with milk or syrup as a remedy, which suggests the presence of unique compounds.
- The physical description includes terms like "battered" and "sand-blasted," implying a potentially brittle or crumbly texture.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Note: The scientific name of a lichen refers to its fungal component.
- Examples of species mentioned: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia macilenta.
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are boreal lichens, occurring across the boreal forest.
- They often grow on moss, logs, at the base of trees, and on poor soils and fallen logs in exposed subalpine sites.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (Cladonia chlorophaea), the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River region, and the Devonian Red Sandstone boulders.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species are the primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cup lichens have upright fruiting stalks.
- They exhibit cup-like structures arising from a greenish-grey base.
- Podetia (stalks) can be funnel-shaped, tapering gradually towards the base, sometimes covered with corticate granules.
- Cups can be unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
- Some species, like Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia pyxidata), feature tiny cups (approximately 1/2 inch high).
Quirky Facts
- The shape of Cladonia podetia has been likened to "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- These lichens have been described as looking like they've been sprinkled with light-grey-green pixie dust.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cladonia lichens are symbiotic relationships between algae and fungus.
- They grow among mosses.
Further Information
- ResearchGate: For the scientific publication "Cladonia monomorpha, a neglected cup lichen from Europe."
- Shutterstock: For cup lichen stock photos, vectors and illustrations.
- Etsy: For unique items for pixie cup lichen from independent designers and vintage collectors.