Pixie-Cup Lichen; Líquen de embudo

Cladonia pyxidata is one of the most characteristic lichens. It presents of two types of thallus: one consist of little leaves or scales (basal squamules) close to the substrate and a secondary thallus in the form of small trumpets 2 cm high so called podetia. The surface of the cups is decorated by small granules that disperse with water drops impacts. Cladonia gr. pyxidata is a group of very similar species, all with the characteristics of trumpets more or less high and wide and with more or less smooth surface, like c. fimbriata, C. pocillum, C. monomorpha, etc...