The primary thallus consists of greenish grey squamules that are small and broad, erect and incised. The white under surface is visible where the squamules curl over. The podetia expand smoothly from the base to form a wide cup. The outer surface and the interior of the cup are covered in granular soredia. The cup may have digitate proliferations on the margin.
Thallus: C-, K-, UV-
Cladonia chlorophaea is found on peaty and mossy dykes, rotting tree stumps, and on heath and moorland throughout Scotland. BLS distribution map
Cladonia chlorophaea is distinguished from Cladonia fimbriata by the podetia that gradually rather than abruptly widen into a wide cup. The podetia of both Cladonia chlorophaea and Cladonia pyxidata expand gradually from the base. Cladonia chlorophaea can be distinguished from Cladonia pyxidata on basis of the granular-sorediate, rather than rough, warted or coarse granular, surface of the podetia.
scottishlichens.co.uk 