Cladonia rei Schaer.

A species similar to the common C. coniocraea, from which it mainly differs in having higher podetia. These are often branched with small terminal scyphi and covered with fine soredia, but also granules, squamules or cortex. In this atlas, the species is included in the morphological aggregate C. subulata. C. rei and C. subulata are usually indistinguishable in the field because they differ in secondary metabolites; C. rei produces substances of the homosekikaic acid complex, which have a weak UV+ white reaction when in high concentrations. However, in many cases, verification by TLC is necessary.

It is a terricolous lichen, associated with humus and weakly acidic to basic soil. More rarely, it also occurs on rock substrates or wood. It is often found in anthropogenic habitats, such as railway embankments, spoil piles, sludge ponds, quarries and exposed soil near settlements. Grasslands, sandbanks and rock outcrop surrounding are probably among its primary stands. In Europe and the Czech Republic, it is quite common.

Literature: Ahti T. & Stenroos S. (2013): Cladoniaceae. – In: Ahti T., Stenroos S. & Moberg R. [eds], Nordic Lichen Flora 5: 87–89.

Ascomycota → Lecanoromycetes → Lecanorales → Cladoniaceae → Cladonia