Cladonia cenotea (Ach.) Schaer.

     Primary thallus formed of small squamules of 1-2 x 0.5-1.5 mm with the entire apex, sometimes crenate or divided, upper surface greenish-grey, lower surface whitish. Podetions grey-greenish 10-30 mm high, 2-5 mm wide, ending in a narrow scypha perforated in the centre, blackish-brown inside and bearing at the margin irregular proliferations folded towards the centre (like a closed hand with outstretched fingers!); the podetions are covered with mealy soredia (especially towards the top) and small squamules (especially towards the bottom). Apothecia rare, brown, at the apex of the podetions. Pycnidia very rare, brown-black. C-, K-, KC-, Pd-. A mountainous or northern holoarctic species growing on rotten wood or on soil rich in woody debris in forests (especially conifers).