Northwest Lichenologists

Cladonia

  • 04 Nov 2015 12:27 PM
    Message # 3616855

    Could I get some assistance with a Cladonia, photo labeled "Cladonia sp. 1 RD"? 


    It is in sage steppe in western Montana, growing on soil/organic matter beneath a sagebrush. It is P+O/R. Is it C. coniocraea?

    Thanks!

    Last modified: 04 Nov 2015 12:47 PM | Rebecca Durham
  • 05 Nov 2015 7:39 AM
    Reply # 3618072 on 3616855
    Bruce McCune (Administrator)

    C. coniocraea is a reasonable suggestionsand the big squamules support that. But it looks like the soredia become granular to microsquamulose, which suggests C. verruculosa. C. coniocraea (and C. ochrochlora) typically have more powdery soredia.

  • 05 Nov 2015 2:52 PM
    Reply # 3618785 on 3616855

    Thanks Bruce!  I was confused by the accounts that C. verruculosa has nearly non-existent squamules and this seems prolifically squamulose. This was an old and undisturbed crust.

  • 16 Nov 2015 11:15 PM
    Reply # 3637653 on 3616855
    Deleted user

    In southern Alberta we see Cladonia that could fit the morphology of your specimen Rebecca - granular soredia grading to microsquamules, often with partially corticate podetial base, primary squamules may or may not be present, occasionally with narrow cups and proliferations. We've identified them as Cladonia rei, and all 100 or so we've examined to date are PD-, UVfaintBW, with TLC confirming homosekikaic acid.  In other regions Cladonia rei also contains fumarprotocetraric acid.  I've seen some similar specimens from Idaho from grassland habitats - would rei be another option in your area? I posted a representative photo as well, growing on Selaginella densa.

  • 17 Nov 2015 4:44 PM
    Reply # 3639593 on 3616855

    Thanks Diane! From what I've read, C. rei could occur here in western MT, but in the past in MT specimens with that name had been misapplied. So far my specimens that look this this have been P+, but I will keep my eye out for a P- UV+. Thanks for your feedback. Cheers!


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