Description: This taxon is a member of the Cladonia coccifera aggregate of red-fruited lichens all of which have ‘devils matchstick’-like forms. In C. pleurota the stalk (except at the base) and broad, disc-bearing cups are covered in a coarse layer of granular soredia. The aggregate is currently under review. In Ireland, material which matches this description is believed to have been collected from Counties Kerry and Donegal. It is known to be a rare component of upland heath vegetation.

Key Identification Features:

• Red discs; stalk and cups covered in a coarse, granular soralia; stalk base scaly or with a layer of ‘skin’ (cortex)
• Upland heaths.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Cladonia pleurota at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.