A community for lichen enthusiasts to post photos, questions or to discuss the science of lichenology.
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.
Absolutely stunning!
IIRC the shape of the shrek-ear things (gotta use the appropriate jargon here) is to maximize dispersion of spores by raindrops.
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.
Aha! Thanks! Time brush up on my lichens.