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British Soldier Lichen
Cladonia cristatella
28.9264, -81.2267
Field Notes
Description:
Much smaller than I imagined! The red fruiting bodies are no larger than a pin-head. Thank God I have a decent macro lens!
There are several other Cladonia species of lichens in the scrub, but the others are rather "spongy" looking. This one... Cladonia cristatella, is more "twiggy" looking. Once you've got it in your head, it's quite easy to pick out. But it's small...... so small....
Habitat:
Lyonia Preserve, Deltona Florida. Oak-Rosemary Scrub.
Notes:
This spotting is yet another silly little dream fulfilled...I'd seen photos so. often of this really cool lichen, and really wanted to see one "in real life", with the red "soldiers". Today I got it!
This particular Preserve is rapidly becoming my favorite place in Florida. I learn something new every time I'm there, and the staff there are 500% passionate about the Florida Scrub- as am I. It's blazing hot hot hot (absolutely ZERO shade....), but oh is it worth every drop of sweat!
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