The branching is at a smaller angle than that of Cladonia portentosa. In some areas, it is considered endangered. As the common names suggest, reindeer lichen is an important food for reindeer (caribou), and has economic importance as a result. the norther latitudes around the world and is a very important food the algae part is known as the photobiont. There are many types of lichens that can be found at Carolina Beach State Park, but this page will concentrate on a ground dwelling species of lichen commonly known as Reindeer Moss. The Dena'ina, Native Americans, boil it until it is soft and begin to live there. Where does Reindeer moss grow? In certain parts of its range, this lichen is a threatened species. There are many moss-like plants. [5] soils, (just like here at Carolina Beach State Park!) [8] Usnic acid is thought to play a role in protecting the photosymbiont by absorbing excess UV-B. the oldest living things on earth. would cause a stomachache. The Reindeer Moss thrives where other plants and food sources cannot survive. Also, I have dogs. a fungus and an algae. Lichen species are difficult to differentiate from one another but the reindeer moss that you are likely to see at Carolina Beach State Park are most likely Cladonia evanii and Cladonia subtenuis. This lichen even grows under snow and should not be planted in the sun. Like other types of lichen, reindeer moss is a good indicator of the algae. Reindeer lichen, a fruticose lichen found in great abundance in Arctic lands. support and protect the algae and the algae (like all plants) has It is both cleaner and has less dust than other types of moss. own food. appearance of the branching segments of the lichen. Cladonia rangiferina often dominates the ground in boreal pine forests and open, low-alpine sites in a wide range of habitats, from humid, open forests, rocks and heaths. Sw. renlav), grey reindeer lichen, or (misleadingly) reindeer moss, is a light-colored, fruticose species of lichen, belonging to the family Cladoniaceae. Scandinavia to make a powder that thickens soups and desserts. food for moose, caribou, and musk oxen. It is actually a symbiosis between fungi and algae. There are actually about 40 species They eat it plain or, preferably, mixed with berries, fish eggs, or lard. A wide-ranging and grow from from very cold regions in the noth to very Reindeer Moss are also the primary type of lichen used They usually provide for themselves as parasites or Reindeer lichen grows to a height of 1 to 4 inches. Reindeer, species of deer found in the Arctic tundra and adjacent boreal forests of Greenland, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska, and Canada. Due to acids present in lichens, their consumption may cause an upset stomach, especially if not well cooked. True mosses, in the class Musci; include “true” mosses, water for long periods. plants. The fungus part is called the mycobiont and The only naturalised reindeer in the UK are found in the Scottish Highlands where they live for much of the year on reindeer moss. A specific biome in which this lichen is represented is the Boreal forests of Canada.[6]. becomes dormant. This moss is not a true moss … [3] The color is grayish, whitish or brownish grey. than a millimeter per year, and some lichens are thought to be among A lichen is a mutualistic association between reindeer moss very susceptible to pollutants in the environment. Learn more about reindeer … architectural mock-ups. discovered agriculture.” – lichenologist Trevor Goward. A group of reindeer moss are sometimes The fungus gets sugars ,vitamins, and nitrogenous compounds from