Description: Some Cladonia lichens such as C. humilis, C. incrassata (both described elsewhere) and C. caespiticia frequently anchor their stalked discs (podetia) to well-defined scales or squamules. The notched, grey-green squamules of C. caespiticia form tight cushions on soily, mossy banks. The short-stalked discs are pale brown. Reactions: K-, Pd+ red. Thinly scattered; northern half of Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• Forming tight cushions of deeply notched, grey to green squamules on well-drained mossy banks
• Discs stalked or not; pale brown, the stalk translucent when wet.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

Distribution Map from NBN: Cladonia caespiticia at National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

iNaturalist: Cladonia caespiticia at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.