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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia phyllophora
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cladonia (Cup Lichen)
Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These fascinating organisms are known for their distinctive cup-shaped structures and their ecological significance.
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that Cladonia species are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
- Some species have been described as having upright fruiting stalks.
Considerations for Children
- These lichens are described as resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees, and some species are called "pixie cup lichen", which may appeal to children.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Rank: Genus
Synonyms and Related Species
- Cladonia asahinae
- Cladonia pyxidata
- Cladonia borealis
- Cladonia fimbriata
- Cladonia chlorophaea
- Cladonia coccifera
- Cladonia monomorpha
- Cladonia pocillum (also listed as Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum)
- Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
- Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
- Cladonia macilenta
- Cladonia bellidiflora
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are found across the boreal forest.
- They often grow on moss, 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.
- They can also be found in exposed subalpine sites.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cladonia are moss-like lichens with cup-shaped structures.
- The "pixie cup" looks like a tiny cup, about 1/2 inch high.
- Some species have funnel-shaped podetia (stalks) that taper towards the base.
- Some descriptions mention light-grey-green "pixie dust" appearance.
- Fruiting stalks are upright in some species.
Symbiotic Relationship
- As lichens, Cladonia species are a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus. The scientific name of a lichen refers to its fungal partner.
Quirky Facts
- The shape of some Cladonia species has been compared to "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- Historically, when boiled with milk or syrup, some Cladonia species have been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.