This is a distinctive species that lacks basal squamules. The white to pale yellowish green podetia are sparsely, and strictly dichotomously, branched. The open axils allows you to look inside the hollow podetia. The loose mats break up easily and pieces of podetial are then found scattered across the substratum as if they are pieces of macaroni.
Thallus: C-, K-, UV+ white
Cladonia uncialis subsp. biuncialis is commonly found in Scotland on open, acid heathlands and in peatbogs. BLS distribution map
Cladonia uncialis subsp. biuncialis closely resembles Cladonia uncialis subsp. uncialis which is more compact and tri- to tetrachotomously branched which gives the apices of the podetial a star-like appearance.
scottishlichens.co.uk 