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Southern Soldiers, Cladonia
didyma
Cladoniaceae or British Soldiers Family
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Lichen
composed of two parts. First to grow are small flakes called
primary squamules, (left lower). These are less than a quarter
inch, with irregular edges, olive to brown above and white below.
From these squamules arise thin twig-like structures (podetia), which
are generally under 1/2 inch tall and covered with a yellow green
powder called soredia. The podetia have no cortex (the
outer "skin"), and between clumps of soredia one can see white to brown
spots that are lichen insides. Soredia powder can be carried,
blown or washed away to new locations, and grow into new lichens.
Some of the podetia have small red, spore-producing structures at the
tips called apothecia (below). The spores produced here can also
produce new lichens.
Found in the Americas from New England south to southern South
America. Grows on sandy soil or dead wood. In Wildwood look for
it on the fence rails, but look carefully!
British Soldiers (Cladonia cristatella),
are similar but generally more robust, more branched, and with larger
red apothecia. On close inspection, British Soldiers will also be
seen to have a cortex and lack the powdery soredia of Southern Soldiers.
British Soldiers are
better known, and occur throughout eastern North America well up into
northern Canada. Southern Soldiers therefore were named because
they are found further south, although ranges overlap from New England
to Florida.
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