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British Soldier�s as well as all other lichens are extremely sensitive to air pollution�s. They are composed of both fungi and algae and are vital to the decomposition cycle of the forest floor. Cladonia species are fruticose (fruti is Latin for shurb) and have hollow branches. Fruticose lichens are the most highly developed lichens. Their branches are much closer in form to "true" branches although, unlike most plants, the lichen branch has no specialized vascular system for transporting fluids. British Soldier Lichen is one of the showiest and more easily identifiable fruiting lichens. Even though they are quite tiny, their bright color and distinctive form makes them stand out in their forest habitat. The bright red caps on the tip of a British Soldier produce the spores of the fungus. |
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