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British soldiers
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Cluster of British soldiers lichen (Cladonia cristatella) with pale green stalks topped by bright red caps growing on mossy wood.
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Cladonia
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British soldiers lichen
British soldiers lichen British soldiers lichen (Cladonia cristatella), so named for its red fruiting bodies.

British soldiers

lichen
Also known as: Cladonia cristatella
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History

British soldiers, (Cladonia cristatella), species of lichen with erect hollow branches that end in distinctive red fruiting bodies from which the popular name is derived. It is greener and redder in early spring than at other times. It occurs on the ground or on dead wood, and its diminutive size makes it a good specimen for terrariums. See also Cladonia.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello.