Cladonia turgida #

Taxon #

Cladonia turgida

Organization #

Clade Cladonia, Subclade Rangiformes (Stenroos et al. 2018)

Identification #

One of the few esorediate species with perforated cups, similar to Cladonia multiformis. The perforated cups of that species, when present, are on taller podetia than the slightly lower-growing habit of C. turgida. The species lacks soredia and shares some similarities also with C. uncialis, C. kanewskii, and C. nipponica. C. turgida is a darker green color than those species and produces cups. Phylogeny work by Stenroos et al. in 2018 placed this species closest to C. thomsonii which is morphologically dissimilar.

Substrate #

Terricolous, bryocolous

Chemical Tests #

upper surface: K+ yellow, C-, Pd+ red (CLH); medulla: K+ yellow or K+ brown, C-, KC-, Pd+ red (Brodo et al. 2001)

Notes #

Widespread, possibly ubiquitous in Alaska but overlooked or uncommon.