This Cladonia species stands out for its bright red apothecia. The greyish yellow, much incised squamules of the primary thallus usually disappear early. The podetial have numerous peeling squamules and never sorediate. They may or may not have a narrow cup that is plugged by bright red apothecia. Rarely, the cup has secondary fruiting extensions growing from the rim.
Thallus: C-, K-, UV+ white
In Scotland, Cladonia bellidiflora is mainly confined to upland areas, especially those of The Highlands. It is frequent on soil, blanket bog, peat and stablised scree. BLS distribution map
Cladonia bellidiflora is distinguished from Cladonia diversa by the podetia that are covered in numerous peeling squamules and that are never sorediate.
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