The primary thallus consists of basal squamules that are small and little indented that have a pale under surface. The green to brown-green podetia expand from the base and have a rough warted or coarse granular surface that extends to the inside of the cup where the granules are often smooth, shiny and convex. In rare cases, there are proliferations from the margins.
Thallus: C-, K-, UV-
In Scotland, Cladonia pyxidata is widespread on mossy rocks and trees. BLS distribution map
Though the podetia of both species expand gradually from the base, Cladonia pyxidata can be told apart from Cladonia chlorophaea on basis of the rough, warted or coarse granular rather than granular sorediate surface of the podetium
scottishlichens.co.uk 