No images found for this plant ID: 11093.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11093" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
cup lichen
Scientific Name: Cladonia simulata
Family: Cladoniaceae
Category: Lichen
Growth: Lichenous
Duration:
Other Names:
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. These lichens are known for their distinctive cup-shaped structures.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Cladonia species may have small parts that could be ingested.
Considerations for Children
- Some Cladonia species may have small parts that could be ingested.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cladonia
- Family: Cladoniaceae
- Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
- Species Examples: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia macilenta
- Synonyms: Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum
Distribution and Habitat
- Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including:
- Forest floors, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
- Mossy environments, particularly those with Chorisodontium moss.
- Boreal forests.
- Exposed subalpine sites with poor soils and fallen logs.
- Rock outcrops.
- Devonian Red Sandstone boulders.
- Wet lowland areas, such as the Olympic Peninsula.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Moss-like lichens with cup-shaped structures.
- Podetia (stalks) can be funnel-shaped, tapering towards the base.
- Cups can be up to 1/2 inch high.
- Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
- Exterior of podetia may be clothed with corticate granules.
- Soredia (powdery propagules) may be abundant and farinose (mealy).
Ecological Role
- Cladonia species are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Cladonia is a symbiotic association between algae and fungus.
- Grows among mosses.
Quirky Facts
- Some describe the appearance of Cladonia as resembling "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
- Historically, Cladonia, when boiled with milk or syrup, has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
Further Information
- Search ONH | eugraph for Cladonia chlorophaea
- ResearchGate: Cladonia monomorpha, a neglected cup lichen from Europe.
- Lichen Society may provide more information on Cladonia species.