A Study of (Hopefully) Cladonia pyxidata.

This photographic project started as a record keeping photo of this lichen growing on a moss covered granite rock. The large “cup” on the right side is about 11mm across. After looking at the photo more closely I noted those bright spots on top of those “mini cups”. Turns out they have collected moisture from our recent fog. The collection provided a natural magnifying glass to see the inside of these little cups. The images give more weight to the common name “Pebbled Pixiecup Lichen”. I would like to tell you I had to walk a great distance to take these photos when in fact they were taken three steps from our back door! If my ID is incorrect please let me know.