63
Cladonia spp. - Pixie Cups
(i.imgur.com)
Absolutely stunning!
IIRC the shape of the shrek-ear things (gotta use the appropriate jargon here) is to maximize dispersion of spores by raindrops.
Podetia usually don't produce spores themselves, spores are produced in the apothecia but you can see some in this photo rimming the cup shapes so could be the case for some species.
Aha! Thanks! Time brush up on my lichens.
A community for lichen enthusiasts to post photos, questions or to discuss the science of lichenology.