Description: This ‘reindeer’ lichen forms big, matted patches amongst heather stems on moorland and bogs, frequently with C. portentosa. The richly branched thallus is mauve or purplish towards the tips which serves to distinguish different colonies in the field. The brown turned-down tips are distinctive. It is occasional to frequent in suitable habitats throughout Ireland.

Key Identification Features:

• ‘Reindeer’ lichen form, purplish tops to the branches and downturned tips distinguish it
• Often mixed in among thick mats of C. portentosa.

Original text submitted by Simon Davey

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

iNaturalist: Cladonia ciliata var. tenuis at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.