Cladonia rangiferina #

Taxon #

Cladonia rangiferina

Organization #

Clade Crustaceae (Stenroos et al 2018)

Identification #

Previously of the “Cladina”, this species can be separated from some of the other heavily branched Cladonia species by having a long main axil from which the smaller branches develop. The tips of the branches appear combed over together in the same direction. It is more gray than green except when very well shaded and/or hydrated. Cladonia portentosa is similar but has branch tips which are not “combed” over together. Some deceptive specimens of C. stygia may only be blackened on the interior towards the very base of the thallus, in these specimens there are often perforations nearer to the branch tips which are typically absent in C. rangiferina.

Substrate #

Bryocolous, terricolous

Chemical Tests #

Upper surface: K+ yellow, Pd+ red (CLH)

Notes #

A ubiquitous species in Alaska in various habitats; forests, alpine, tundras.

Photos #