Cladonia symphycarpa
Local name: Kalkhede-bægerlav
Kalkhede-bægerlav (Cladonia symphycarpa) is a distinctive cup lichen characterized by its pale, chalky-white to grayish podetia (cup-like structures) that often bear bright red apothecia (fruiting bodies). This slow-growing lichen forms small colonies on calcareous substrates and plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and soil stabilization in calcium-rich environments.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Fungi
Phylum
Ascomycota
Class
Lecanoromycetes
Order
Lecanorales
Family
Cladoniaceae
Genus
Cladonia
Cladonia symphycarpa belongs to the family Cladoniaceae, order Lecanorales, within the Lecanoromycetes class.
Species Profile
Kalkhede-bægerlav (Cladonia symphycarpa) is a distinctive cup lichen characterized by its pale, chalky-white to grayish podetia (cup-like structures) that often bear bright red apothecia (fruiting bodies). This slow-growing lichen forms small colonies on calcareous substrates and plays an important ecological role in nutrient cycling and soil stabilization in calcium-rich environments.
Cladonia symphycarpa is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal and inland sandy environments. The species is extremely sensitive to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, which alters the chemical composition of its substrate and disrupts the delicate ecological balance required for its survival.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Cladonia symphycarpa grows exclusively on exposed limestone outcrops, chalk cliffs, and calcareous soil in open, well-lit areas with minimal vegetation cover. It requires stable, undisturbed calcium-rich substrates with specific pH conditions and low levels of atmospheric pollution.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Cladonia symphycarpa is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized coastal and inland sandy environments. The species is extremely sensitive to air pollution, particularly nitrogen deposition, which alters the chemical composition of its substrate and disrupts the delicate ecological balance required for its survival.
Air pollution and nitrogen deposition
Coastal development and urbanization
Habitat loss and fragmentation
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Recreational trampling and disturbance
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Cladonia symphycarpa (Cladonia symphycarpa). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/kalkhede-bgerlav