ASCOMYCOTA | LECANOROMYCETES > LECANORALES > Cladoniaceae

Common name:            Smooth-footed Powderhorn

Synonyms:                     -

Habitat:                          Heathland, grassland, woodland

Substrata:                      Shaded banks, tussocks, decaying wood

Growth forms:              Terricolous, lignicolous        

Basal thallus:                  Squamulose

Secondary thallus:        Podetia, slightly curved, small cups

Apothecia:                    Lecideine, but usually infertile

BLS identity rating:        Graded 1/5 (identification should be straightforward)

Currently regarded as a separately defined species, but potentially just a robust form of the previously described Cladonia coniocraea. It is distinguished primarily by the podetia having frequent, and far more developed, cups than the very narrow cups that are only occasionally seen in Cladonia coniocraea. The podetia also tend to be more green than grey-green, and generally appear more solidly built.

Distribution and habitat are very similar but, perhaps, Cladonia ochrochlora is more commonly found on humous-rich soils. It has been recorded from a few locations in the New Forest including along the hollow way at Rock Hills where the specimen below was photographed.