Cladonia maxima #

Taxon #

Cladonia maxima

Organization #

Clade Cladonia, Subclade Graciles

Identification #

The tallest Cladonia species in Alaska when mature. Very similar to C. cornuta and slender forms of C gracilis. C. cornuta is separated by having soredia. Neither C. gracilis nor C. cornuta become so robust although they may become similarly tall. C. maxima more often produces erratic or weakly formed cups at the tips of the podetia. When C. gracilis forms cups they are usually quite uniform in proportions. C. cornuta ssp. groenlandica will produce small cups at the tips of the podetia but it will not grow as tall and will have the aforementioned soredia.

Substrate #

Growing on soil or bryophytes (CLH)

Chemical Tests #

Upper surface K- or K+ yellow, C-, Pd+ red (CLH)

Photos #