Moorland Ramblings

WALKS, NAVIGATION TRAINING and EXPEDITIONS

Devil’s Matchstick

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Devil’s Matchstick

Names

  • Devil’s Matchstick
  • Dartmoor Matchstick
  • British Soldier
  • Pilophorus acicularis

Flowering Period

  • Year Round

Identify

Distinctive upright Lichen, that commonly grows to about 3cm in height, with red capper branches (known as Podetia).

About

The Devil’s Matchstick is a widspread and distinctive lichen that grows on stones in areas with high acidity.

Like all lichens, the Devil’s matchstick is actually two organisms working together: a fungus and an algae in a symbiotic relationship. The red tips are the fruiting bodies of the fungal component of the lichen. 

Uses

  • Devil’s Mathstic is a primary food source of reindeer, and as such, is of economic value to reindeer herders

Folklore & Mythology

  • None found – although I’m sure we could mix in some of the mythology about Devils.

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Hello,

I’m George

Welcome to Moorland Ramblings.

I’ve created this site to share my love of all things hillwalking. I’ll share my thoughts, walks and photos (my ramblings) and hopefully my passion.

Please feel free to get in touch with any comments, questions or ramblings of your own, through the details below.

I also offer guided walks and navigation training as a qualified Hill & Moorland leader. If this is of interest, please get in touch through the email address below.

All views expressed are my own and all photos on this website can only be used with permission of Moorland Ramblings

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