Lichen

238 readers

3 users here now

A community for lichen enthusiasts to post photos, questions or to discuss the science of lichenology.

founded 3 months ago

MODERATORS

magpie@mander.xyz

Cladonia spp. - Pixie Cups (infosec.pub)

submitted 3 months ago by magpie@mander.xyz to c/Lichen@mander.xyz

4 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Growing on rotting spruce or pine stump next to a lake. Found so many species of Cladonia on our backroad excursion last week, I really wish I was better at ID'ing these. I did happen to find my first 'british soliders' type (not pictured) with the bright red apothecia, so that was exciting. I love the way some Cladonia form these little city-like landscapes with the towering podetia (the shrek-ear things).

Promise this is the last for tonight, I just didn't want to leave the community bare.

top 4 comments

sorted by: hot top controversial new old

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (1 children)

IIRC the shape of the shrek-ear things (gotta use the appropriate jargon here) is to maximize dispersion of spores by raindrops.

[–] magpie@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Podetia usually don't produce spores themselves, spores are produced in the apothecia but you can see some in this photo rimming the cup shapes so could be the case for some species.

[–] acockworkorange@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago

Aha! Thanks! Time brush up on my lichens.

[–] Sal@mander.xyz 2 points 3 months ago

Absolutely stunning!