Synonyms: Baeomyces caespiticius, Cenomyce caespiticia, Cladonia caespitica, Cladonia invisa, Cladonia squamosa.
Common name: Stubby-stalked Cladonia.
Extract from Wikipedia article: Cladonia caespiticia is a widespread and common species of fruticose, cup lichen in the family Cladoniaceae. It was originally named Baeomyces caespiticius by German mycologist Christiaan Hendrik Persoon in 1794. Heinrich Gustav Flörke transferred it to the genus Cladonia in 1827. In North America, it is commonly known as the stubby-stalked Cladonia.
Estonian: Mätas-porosamblik, Swedish: Flikbägarlav.
Cladonia caespiticia is a species of fruticose lichen that forms dense, yellowish-green to greyish cushions or mats. It is found in well-drained, open areas with full sun to partial shade, often on sandy or rocky soils. In East and Central Texas, Cladonia caespiticia typically grows on dry ground, rocks, and tree bases in pine-oak woodlands, savannas, and prairies, particularly in the Edwards Plateau and Post Oak Savannah ecoregions. The lichen's podetia are 1-5 cm tall, with greyish to brownish apothecia and squamules that are often recurved or subterete.
Stubby-stalked Cladonia lichen (Cladonia caespiticia) with white moss at the base of a tree on Sundew Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve. Kountze, Texas, June 12, 2022
County Road 1910, Tyler County, Texas, 77664, United States
Stubby-stalked Cladonia lichen (Cladonia caespiticia) at the base of a tree on Sundew Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve. Kountze, Texas, June 12, 2022County Road 1910, Tyler County, Texas, 77664, United StatesObservations of Cladonia caespiticia in East and Central Texas reveal that this species of lichen tends to thrive at the base of trees. On June 12, 2022, specimens were found on Sundew Trail in Big Thicket National Preserve, Kountze, Texas. The lichen was observed growing alongside white moss, suggesting a preference for shaded, moist environments. The presence of Cladonia caespiticia at the base of trees may indicate a reliance on the stable humidity and protection from extreme weather conditions provided by the tree's canopy. The species appears to be well-suited to the preserve's ecosystem, with multiple sightings recorded in the same area. Further observations are needed to fully understand the distribution and habitat requirements of Cladonia caespiticia in East and Central Texas. The lichen's growth patterns and associations with other organisms, such as white moss, warrant additional study.
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