A large Cladonia species related to C. arbuscula, from which it differs in the absence of fumarprotocetraric acid (Pd- and non-bitter taste) and narrower terminal branches that face all directions. It might resemble the less common C. portentosa which is UV+ blue-white.
This terricolous lichen is widely distributed and locally common in Europe. In the Czech Republic, it is scattered from lowlands to high mountains. It is more abundant in the western part of the country. It prefers acidic soil on sandbanks, screes, heathlands, around rock outcrops, in dry grasslands, pine forests and the alpine zone.
The pair C. arbuscula and C. mitis often grow together and their distinction in the field is problematic. According to molecular data, C. mitis is an inner monophyletic lineage within C. arbuscula (Ahti & Stenroos 2013).
Literature: Ahti T. & Stenroos S. (2013): Cladoniaceae. – In: Ahti T., Stenroos S. & Moberg R. [eds], Nordic Lichen Flora 5: 87–89.
taxonomic classification:Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Cladoniaceae → Cladonia
most frequented synonyms:Cladonia arbuscula subsp. mitis
Occurrence in the Czech Republic
All records: 301, confirmed 171. One click on a selected square displays particular record(s), including their source(s).