Cladonia crispata var. crispata

Taxon

Cladonia crispata var. crispata

Authority
(Ach.) Flot. (1839)
Conservation Status
NE NR (Key)
BLS Number
1575
Taxon Photo
General Description

An apparently rare taxon, which is probably a separate species from Cladonia crispata var. cetrariiformis. When well developed it is quite distinct from Cladonia crispata var. cetrariiformis in the sturdy podetia with well developed perorate cups with shorter, subulate proliferations, which can from tiers of podetia. Mainly found in coastal, grey dune systems, but rarely recorded inland in disturbed acid habitats.

Identification

Differs from the commoner Cladonia crispata var. cetrariiformis in having obvious, more well-developed, clearly perforated cups with shorter, subulate proliferations and tiers of more squat, sturdy podetia. Thallus C–, K–, KC–, Pd–, UV+ white (squamatic and ± barbatic acids).

Cladonia crispata var. cetrariiformis could be separable at species level, but the necessary combination has not been made to date.

Cladonia squamosa often has similar spot tests, but has more abundant squamules on the podetia, which typically peal off the podetia leaving decorticate areas.

Habitats

Primarily in coastal, grey dune systems, also inland in mine sites, old gravel pits on forestry tracks and open damp heaths.

Distribution Map
Key to map date classes
Distribution

Very rare, England (Cornwall, Dorset, Yorkshire), Wales (Anglesey, Carmarthen), E. Scotland (Moray, Mid Perths.).

Threats & Status

Appears rare but has not been evaluated.

References

Pino-Bodas, R., Sanderson, N., Cannon, P., Aptroot, A., Coppins, B., Orange, A. & Simkin, J. (2021). Lecanorales: Cladoniaceae, including the genera CladoniaPilophorus and PycnotheliaRevisions of British and Irish Lichens 19: 1-45. Link

Text by Neil A Sanderson, based on Pino-Bodas et al (2021)