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cup lichen

Scientific Name: Cladonia symphycarpa

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cladonia: The Enchanting Cup Lichen

The genus Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen, encompasses a fascinating group of moss-like lichens belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens are renowned for their unique cup-shaped structures and their ecological importance.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks, which could potentially be a minor hazard if ingested by curious pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The small, cup-like structures of Cladonia, particularly species like Pixie Cup Lichen (C. pyxidata), resemble miniature cups and could be tempting for young children to handle or play with.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia
  • Common Name: Cup Lichen
  • Family: Cladoniaceae
  • One notable species is Cladonia asahinae, commonly known as the Pixie Cup Lichen.
  • Synonym: Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum for Cladonia pocillum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cladonia species are found in various environments, including boreal forests.
  • They often grow on moss, logs, at the base of trees, on poor soils, and fallen logs.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the Olympic Peninsula (for Cladonia chlorophaea) and rock outcrops along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River.

Ecological Role

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

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cladonia lichens exhibit a moss-like appearance.
  • They are characterized by cup-shaped structures or stalks (podetia).
  • The "pixie cup" form is often described as a tiny cup, approximately 1/2 inch high.
  • Some species have funnel-shaped podetia.
  • The podetia may be covered in corticate granules.

Quirky Facts

  • Some people compare the shape of *Cladonia* species podetia to Shrek's ears or miniature golf tees.
  • Historically, some cultures have boiled Cladonia with milk or syrup as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • As lichens, Cladonia are symbiotic associations between algae and fungi.
  • They can grow among mosses.
  • Other lichen species, such as Cladonia macilenta, can grow in colonies alongside Cladonia.