description Cladonia humilis Overview
Cladonia humilis is a small fruticose lichen that grows in compact tufts on the ground. It is identified by short podetia that may form narrow, goblet-like cups, although the shape and openness of these structures can vary among specimens. The species occurs in sandy soils, heathland, and other open habitats, and its low growth makes it part of the ground-layer lichen community rather than a bark- or rock-dwelling form.
help Cladonia humilis FAQ
How can I identify Cladonia humilis?
Cladonia humilis forms short gray or green-gray podetia with small, regular, goblet-like cups. The podetia are commonly only a few millimeters tall, and the upper parts are densely covered with floury soredia.
Where does Cladonia humilis grow?
It prefers dry or sandy, relatively less acidic ground, including disturbed soil, roadsides, sea cliffs, and garden paths. It is mainly a lowland lichen and is generally absent from montane areas in the British Lichen Society account.
How is Cladonia humilis different from Cladonia fimbriata?
Cladonia humilis usually has short, stout, regular cups that are nearly sessile or abruptly narrowed into a short stalk. Cladonia fimbriata more often has taller, funnel-shaped podetia, so the two can look similar but are not identical.
Is Cladonia humilis a moss?
No, it is a lichen in the genus Cladonia, not a moss. Its upright podetia are part of the lichen body and rise from a squamulose basal thallus.
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