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Cladonia

Cladonia

Cladonia is a type of lichen that grows on rocks and trees. It looks like tiny cups or tubes and comes in different colors like green, gray, or brown.

Habitat: Mountain regions

Appearance

The Cladonia is a diverse group of lichens, often featuring intricate, branched structures resembling tiny trees, cups, or coral. They typically display shades of grey-green or whitish, sometimes adorned with bright red tips on their 'fruiting' bodies.

KingdomFungiPhylumAscomycotaClassLecanoromycetesOrderLecanoralesFamilyCladoniaceaeGenusCladonia
Cladonia
lichen trait badgenitrogen_fixing trait badgeevergreen trait badgemedicinal trait badge
Cladonia

Category

Fungi

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Did you know Cladonia are actually two organisms, a fungus and algae, living as one super team? Wow!

Many Cladonia look like tiny delicate goblets or little miniature shrub forests. Wow!

Some Cladonia species are vital food for caribou and reindeer in frosty Arctic lands. Wow!

They can help turn bare rock into soil, paving the way for other plants to grow. Wow!

Special abilities

Ability

Pioneer Power

Cladonia can grow on bare rock or soil because of its hardy nature that helps them start new ecosystems.

Ability

Survival Expert

Cladonia has a unique ability to dry out completely and rehydrate that helps them survive extreme temperatures and drought.

Ability

Air Quality Alarm

Cladonia can absorb air pollutants from the atmosphere that helps them act as natural indicators of air quality.

Ability

Chemical Creator

Cladonia produces special chemicals that help protect them from herbivores and sun, and can even deter other plants.

Measurements & details

Height
1-15 cm
Edibility
inedible
Growth Substrate
soil
Season
Year-round
Spore Color
White

Ecological connections

eaten by

reindeer

Rangifer tarandus

A primary winter food source for Arctic reindeer.

parasitizes

lichenicolous fungus

Stigmidium cladoniicola

This tiny fungus grows directly on and harms Cladonia species.

depends on

lichen beetle

Nephilodes cladoniaria

Its larvae feed specifically on Cladonia and related lichens.

Traits

Also known as

Caribou Lichen

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Enjoy looking at Cladonia in nature but avoid touching or picking it to let it grow undisturbed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Cladonia?

1-15 cm

Is Cladonia edible?

inedible

Where is Cladonia usually found?

Mountain regions

What does Cladonia grow on?

soil

When is Cladonia in season?

Year-round

What color are Cladonia spores?

White

Snap Map

Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.

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Recent Snaps

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Where to spot

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