Lichen (Cladonia fimbriata)

The 'golf tee' shape fruiting bodies are indicative of the Cladonia lichens and various species can be found on Dorset heathland and in woodland. Fimbriata favours rotting tree stumps and bare earth where the crusty foudation of the lichen covers the surface and the 'pegs' shoot up from that.

On fimbriata the stem of the peg is very slender before opening out into the cup, its very close relative, Cladonia pyxidata, has much a much more cone like shape.

Quite common yet usually passed by wothout a second look which is a shame as closer inspoection shows them to be fascinating.

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Find out more about the nature of Dorset at my website www.natureofdorset.co.uk

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