Description: This variety is most probably a chemotype of C. squamosa, that is, it is chemically different but taxonomically identical. It differs from C. squamosa (described elsewhere) in its thicker stalks (podetia) entirely clothed in peeling squamules. A dab of K (Potassium hydroxide) turns them yellow. In C. squamosa this and all other reactions are negative.

Key Identification Features:

• Podetia covered in a mass of shaggy scales
• K + yellow; also Pd + orange.

Original text submitted by Vince J. Giavarini

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

iNaturalist: Cladonia squamosa var. subsquamosa at iNaturalist World Species Observations database.