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Pixie Cups

Cladonia pyxidata - This tiny plant (approx 6mm high) is the product of algae and fungus in a symbiotic relationship. It is said that in the arctic regions they were used as wicks for blubber oil lamps. Lichens in the family Cladoniaceae are a primary food source for reindeer and caribou. The same lichen family is a source of compounds used to create antibiotic cream. A fascinating miniature world.

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Uploaded on October 14, 2017
Taken on October 13, 2017