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Cladonia: The Cup Lichen

Cladonia, commonly referred to as cup lichen, is a fascinating genus of lichen belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. These lichens often resemble miniature cups or trumpets, adding a whimsical touch to their environments.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Cladonia species have upright fruiting stalks.
• Descriptions include terms such as "farinose" (powdery or mealy), and mention of "soredia" (structures involved in asexual reproduction), which could indicate the presence of fine particles.

Considerations for Children

• The common name "pixie cup lichen" suggests a visual similarity to small cups.
• Morphological descriptions include mentions of podetia shaped like miniature golf tees, potentially attracting children's attention.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cladonia (genus)
• Family: Cladoniaceae
• Common Names: Cup lichen, Pixie cup lichen
• Species Examples: Cladonia asahinae, Cladonia pyxidata, Cladonia borealis, Cladonia fimbriata, Cladonia cristatella, Cladonia pityrea, Cladonia coccifera, Cladonia chlorophaea, Cladonia monomorpha, Cladonia pocillum, Cladonia bellidiflora, Cladonia macilenta
• Synonyms: Cladonia pyxidata var. pocillum (for Cladonia pocillum)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cladonia species are found in various habitats, including:
  • Forest floors
  • Logs
  • Base of trees
  • Mossy areas (particularly with Chorisodontium moss)
  • Rock outcrops
  • Poor soils in subalpine sites
  • Boreal forests
  • Devonian Red Sandstone boulders
  • Wet lowlands, such as the Olympic Peninsula

Morphological Characteristics

• Cladonia lichens are often described as moss-like.
• They have cup-shaped or trumpet-shaped structures.
• Some species have podetia (stalk-like structures) resembling miniature golf tees or Shrek's ears.
• Cup sizes can be small, around 1/2 inch high.
• Fruiting stalks are upright.
• Some species have funnel-shaped podetia.
• Colors range from light-grey-green to greenish-grey.
• Some species, like Cladonia chlorophaea, have round-toothed and curled cups.
• Some have red apothecia.

Ecological Role

• Cladonia lichens are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou.
• They form symbiotic relationships with algae and fungi.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• It can live in a colony with Brachythecium frigidum, Cladonia Scales Lichen and Cladonia macilenta growing in this Lichen colony.

Quirky Facts

• Some species look like "Shrek's Ears or miniature golf-tees."
• "Pixie Cup Lichen" can thrive in cooler spaces when combined with a unicorn figurine.

Additional Information

• Further information can be found through online dictionaries specializing in plant sciences.
• Etsy offers items related to pixie cup lichen from independent designers.