Cladonia uncialis (L.) F. H. Wigg., 1780
| Common name | Thorn Cladonia | Code: CLADUNC |
|---|---|---|
| Field Characters | Branched, fruticose chlorolichen. Primary thallus disappearing. Erect, robust, yellow-green, branches, never cupped, with thorn-like branch tips. Tips often lightly browned. Terminal axils open, cortex intact and often appearing mottled due to irregular algal layers. Lacking soredia. Apothecia rare, when present small, brown, on branch tips. Barrel-shaped pycnidia common on branch tips. | |
| Similar species |
Cladonia amaurocraea: thinner branches, more sparsely branched, often cupped. Chemistry partially different but TLC would be required (barbatic acid). |
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| Ecology | Growing on soil, moss, or rocks in colonies, most commonly in open, dry, conifer-dominated shield or boreal pine forests. | |
| Chemistry | PD-, K-, KC+ yellow, UV+ blue-white (usnic acid, ±squamatic acid, mostly in the medulla)
TIP: to check for it squamatic acid, break open a branch so the medulla is exposed. |
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| Molecular support |
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| Links | ||
| Gallery |
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- Close-up of cortex of Cladonia uncialis, ALTA collection
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- Close-up of cortex of Cladonia uncialis, ALTA collection
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- Close-up of branch tips of Cladonia uncialis, Redwater Natural Area, AB
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- Cladonia uncialis colonies mixed with C. rangiferina, Redwater Natural Area, AB
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- Cladonia uncialis colonies mixed with reindeer lichens, Redwater Natural Area, AB
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- Cladonia uncialis colonies mixed with reindeer lichens, Redwater Natural Area, AB
