description Cladonia coniocraea Overview
Cladonia coniocraea is a fruticose lichen with slender, usually straight greenish podetia that are commonly pointed and often lack cups. It produces farinose soredia and is usually found on rotting wood, tree bases, or occasionally bare soil in temperate and boreal regions. The species is closely similar to Cladonia ochrochlora, and some recent treatments have questioned whether the two should be maintained as separate species, so identification can require microscopic or chemical comparison.
help Cladonia coniocraea FAQ
What is the common name of Cladonia coniocraea?
Cladonia coniocraea is commonly called the common powderhorn or lesser powderhorn lichen. It is a fruticose lichen in the family Cladoniaceae with upright podetia growing from basal squamules.
Where does Cladonia coniocraea grow?
It commonly grows on acid bark, rotting wood, tree bases, and sometimes acidic soil in temperate and boreal habitats. It is widespread in Britain and Ireland and occurs across parts of Europe, Asia, and North America.
How can I identify Cladonia coniocraea in the field?
Look for slender grey-green podetia that are usually pointed, straight or slightly curved, and covered with powdery soredia. The podetia are often about 1 to 3.5 cm tall and usually lack large cups. [The British Lichen Society describes these field marks](https://britishlichensociety.org.uk/resources/species-accounts/cladonia-coniocraea).
How is Cladonia coniocraea different from Cladonia ochrochlora?
C. ochrochlora is a close look-alike that tends to have thicker or more obviously cup-shaped podetia, while C. coniocraea is usually slender and pointed. Modern treatments sometimes question whether the two should remain separate species, so chemical tests and expert identification may be needed.
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