SafePlants

Cladonia (Cup Lichen)

Cladonia, commonly known 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-shaped structures (podetia) that could potentially be ingested by curious animals.

Considerations for Children

• Cup lichens are often found on the forest floor and may appear as miniature cups, potentially attracting the attention of young children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Synonyms/Related Species:
  • Cladonia asahinae
  • Cladonia pyxidata (Pyxie cup lichen)
  • Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum
  • Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
  • Cladonia chlorophaea (False Pixie Cup Lichen)
  • Cladonia fimbriata (Fringed cup lichen, Pixie Cup Lichen)
  • Cladonia borealis
  • Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
  • Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
  • Cladonia monomorpha
  • Cladonia bellidiflora
  • Cladonia macilenta

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are boreal lichens, commonly found across the boreal forest.
• They often grow on moss, logs, rocks, or at the base of trees.
• Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (Cladonia chlorophaea), the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River region, subalpine sites with poor soils and fallen logs, and the Pocono Mountains.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia lichens serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia are moss-like lichens.
• They often have cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks (podetia).
• Podetia can be funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base, and may be covered with corticate granules.
• Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
• The "cups" can be unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
• Some species have apothecia, sometimes red.

Quirky Facts

• The shape of Cladonia podetia has been likened to "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
• Some individuals are passionate about lichens and find them to be "amazing little" organisms.

Traditional Uses

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

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cladonia lichens form a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
• They can grow among mosses.
• Other lichens, such as Cladonia macilenta, may grow in a Cladonia colony.