Cladonia caespiticia (Pers.) Flörke

The brown apothecia of this lichen grow directly on the cushion of primary squamules, a feature that distinguishes it from other Cladonia species. However, when sterile, identification is very problematic. Other species without podetia may be misidentified as C. caespiticia when their squamules are parasitised by tremelloid basidiomycetes, which induce production of gall-like structures that may resemble pale apothecia.

Cladonia caespiticia grows on mineral soil (e.g., sandy). Typically, it is found on acidic soil in open forests and terraces or cracks of (semi-)shady siliceous rocks. Rarely, it also colonizes tree bases or wood, mainly near rock substrates. In Europe, it is scattered to abundant, preferring oceanic regions. In the Czech Republic, the species is scattered from lowlands to mountains. Rich populations can be found, e.g., in the Vltava River canyon in Central Bohemia.

Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Cladoniaceae → Cladonia