SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 11160.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "11160" 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 umbricola

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cladonia: The Fascinating World of Cup Lichens

The genus Cladonia, commonly known as cup lichen or pixie cup lichen, belongs to the family Cladoniaceae. These moss-like lichens are fascinating organisms playing diverse roles in various ecosystems.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Cladonia species may have cup-shaped fruiting bodies or stalks that might be interesting to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The "pixie cup" shape of some Cladonia species may be attractive to children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia
  • Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
  • Family: Cladoniaceae
  • Synonyms: Mentions Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum, suggesting it might be considered a synonym or subspecies.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cladonia species are found in various environments, including:
    • Forest floors
    • Logs
    • Base of trees
    • Rock outcrops (e.g., along the Eagle Creek Trail, Columbia River)
    • Exposed subalpine sites
    • Boreal forests

Ecological Role

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

Morphological Characteristics

  • Cladonia species can be moss-like in appearance.
  • Some species, like the "pixie cup lichen," have tiny cup-shaped structures (podetia) typically about 1/2 inch high.
  • The shape has been compared to Shrek's ears or miniature golf tees.
  • Some species have upright fruiting stalks.
  • Some species exhibit funnel-shaped podetia, tapering towards the base.
  • Textures may vary, including corticate granules or farinose soredia.
  • Colors range from light-grey-green to greenish-grey.

Quirky Facts

  • Historically, some Cladonia species, when boiled with milk or syrup, have been used as a remedy for whooping cough and chest ailments.
  • Some people are "in love" with lichens.
  • The texture of some species is described as "battered and sand-blasted."
  • Lichens like Pixie Cups are perfect for cooler spaces and go well with unicorn figurines.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Cladonia lichens are symbiotic relationships between algae and fungi.
  • They can grow on moss, such as Chorisodontium.
  • They can grow within lichen colonies, like Brachythecium frigidum.