SafePlants

Cladonia: The Fascinating World of Cup Lichens

Dive into the miniature world of Cladonia, a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. Often referred to as "cup lichens" or "pixie cup lichens," these intriguing organisms play a vital role in various ecosystems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
• Family: Cladoniaceae

Specific species mentioned include Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata (pyxie cup lichen), Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata (fringed cup lichen), Cladonia chlorophaea (False Pixie Cup Lichen), Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen), Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen), and Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen), Cladonia macilenta.

Distribution and Habitat

Cladonia species are found in diverse environments, including:

• Boreal forests
• Exposed subalpine sites
• Growing on poor soils and fallen logs
• On moss, particularly Chorisodontium
• On the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees
• Devonian Red Sandstone boulders
• Olympic Peninsula, in wet lowland on rotting stumps
• Rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cladonia lichens are often described as moss-like.
• They feature upright fruiting stalks.
• The podetia (stalks) can be funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base.
• Some species have cup-like structures (pyxie cups) that are small (around 1/2 inch high).
• The exterior of the podetia may be clothed with corticate granules.
• Some species exhibit abundant, farinose soredia, sometimes enlarging.

Ecological Role

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

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Cladonia lichens are a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.

Quirky Facts

• Some describe the shape of *Cladonia* as resembling "Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees."
• Historically, some have boiled *Cladonia* with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species of *Cladonia* have upright fruiting stalks which may be tempting for animals.

Considerations for Children

• The "pixie cup" shape of some *Cladonia* species could be intriguing to children.