Cladonia bacilliformis #

Taxon #

Cladonia bacilliformis

Organization #

Clade Ochroleucae (Stenroos et al. 2018)

Identification #

The combination of soredia, bright yellow color from the usnic acid content, and the strict adherence to wood make this Cladonia recognizable in the field. Some sources describe the apothecia as infrequent but in Alaska fertile specimens appear to be extremely rare. Of the horn-like species of Cladonia without terminal branching, this species is the most yellow.

Chemical Tests #

K-, C-, KC+ yellow, Pd-, UV- (CLH)

Substrate #

Exclusively on coniferous wood

Notes #

Similar to many unbranched species of Cladonia however this species is the brightest yellow of those. Also similar to C. alpina which is more branched at the apices and grows on a variety of substrates rather than strictly wood as C. bacilliformis. C. macilenta can appear similar but is more greenish and with podetia usually more straightened. Some are said to form cups “with age” (CLH) but we have yet to see the cupped form in Alaska.

Photos #