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cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia rei
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
Cladonia (Cup Lichen)
Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens are known for their unique cup-shaped structures and play a significant ecological role in various environments.
Considerations for Pets
- May be present in terrariums.
Considerations for Children
- Some species have been used in traditional medicine, highlighting the importance of adult supervision.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Common Name: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Family: Cladoniaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and subalpine regions.
- They commonly grow on moss, logs, at the base of trees, rock outcrops, and poor soils.
- Boreal species occur across the boreal forest.
Morphological Characteristics
- Cladonia lichens are characterized by their moss-like appearance and the presence of cup-shaped structures called podetia.
- Podetia can vary in shape and size, resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
- The color ranges from greenish-grey to light-grey-green.
- Some species contain farinose soredia (powdery propagules) on the surface.
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cladonia is a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.
- Some species grow among mosses, such as Chorisodontium.
- Some lichen colonies include multiple species, such as Brachythecium frigidum and Cladonia macilenta.
Quirky Facts
- Some species, like the Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia pyxidata), have tiny cups only about 1/2 inch high on the forest floor.
- Historically, some species have been boiled with milk or syrup for remedies related to whooping cough and chest ailments.
Specific Species Mentioned
- Cladonia asahinae (Pixie cup lichen)
- Cladonia pyxidata (Pyxie cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen)
- Cladonia borealis
- Cladonia fimbriata (Fringed cup lichen)
- Cladonia chlorophaea (False Pixie Cup)
- Cladonia coccifera (Elf Cup Lichen)
- Cladonia monomorpha
- Cladonia pocillum
- Cladonia bellidiflora
- Cladonia cristatella (British Soldier Lichen)
- Cladonia pityrea (Pityrea Lichen)
- Cladonia macilenta