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Pixie Cup Lichen (Cladonia)

Cladonia, commonly called cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, is a genus of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks.

Considerations for Children

• Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks that form cup-like structures.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia (genus)
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
• Synonyms: Mentions Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum as related to Cladonia pocillum.

Distribution and Habitat

• Boreal lichens, occurring across the boreal forest.
• Grows on the forest floor, typically on logs or at the base of trees.
• Found in exposed subalpine sites where they grow on poor soils and fallen logs.
• Common on rotting stumps in wet lowland, like the Olympic Peninsula.
• Observed on a rock outcrop along the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River.

Morphological Characteristics

• Moss-like appearance.
• Characterized by cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks (podetia).
• Podetia can be funnel-shaped, tapering gradually towards the base.
• Exterior of podetia variably clothed with corticate granules.
• Cups can be unbranched, round-toothed, and curled.
• Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
• Thallus lobes can be narrowly recurved.

Ecological Role

• Primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
• Forms a symbiotic relationship between algae and fungus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Grows on moss, particularly Chorisodontium.
• May grow in colonies with other lichens like Cladonia macilenta.

Quirky Facts

• The shape of the lichen has been likened to "Shrek's Ears" or miniature golf tees.
• Historically, when boiled with milk or syrup, it has been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Further Information

• ONH | eugraph (likely refers to a specific online natural history resource or database)
• Lichen Society
• ResearchGate professional network for scientists.