SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 11046.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11046" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia prolifica

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cladonia: The Enchanting 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. These lichens often resemble miniature cups or trumpets, adding a whimsical touch to their environment.

Considerations for Pets and Children

  • Some Cladonia species have cup-like structures.
  • Used in traditional remedies.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia
  • Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen, British Soldier Lichen, Elf Cup Lichen, Forest Trumpets
  • Family: Cladoniaceae

Distribution and Habitat

Cladonia species are often found in boreal forests and subalpine sites. They thrive in various environments, including:

  • Mossy areas
  • Forest floors, typically on logs or at the base of trees
  • Rock outcrops
  • Poor soils
  • Fallen logs
  • Devonian Red Sandstone boulders

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cladonia species exhibit diverse forms, including cup-shaped structures (podetia) that can be funnel-shaped or have upright fruiting stalks.
  • The podetia of some species, like Cladonia asahinae, are shaped like miniature golf tees or Shrek's ears.
  • Some have a sprinkling of light-grey-green pixie dust.
  • They can be greenish-grey with small cup-like structures.
  • Some Cladonia species can grow to about 1/2 inch high.
  • Some species have apothecia (fruiting bodies) on cup-shaped podetia.

Ecological Role

Cladonia lichens play a crucial role in certain ecosystems. Specifically, they serve as a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.

Traditional Uses

Historically, Cladonia has been used for medicinal purposes. When boiled with milk or syrup, it has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Quirky Facts

  • Some consider Lichens to be amazing little things.
  • The pixie cup lichen looks like a tiny cup on the forest floor.