Scott's Run Nature Preserve, McLean, VA
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Family: Cladoniaceae
British Soldiers Lichen is a fruticose lichen, best known by its bright red caps (apothecium), said to resemble the hats worn by British soldiers in the 18th century. It typically can be found on rotting wood. It is slow growing (1 -2 mm per year), and the red caps don't form until it's at least four years old.
The genus name Cladonia means "mountains", and the species name cristalella means crested.
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21 November 2015
Scott's Run Nature Preserve, McLean, VA
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