As the common names suggest, reindeer lichen is an important food for reindeer (caribou), and has economic importance as a result. Synonyms include Cladina rangiferina and Lichen rangiferinus.

Caribou Moss. Common Name: Caribou Moss, Reindeer Lichen Genus: Cladonia Species: rangiferina Parts Used: entire organism. Caribou moss grows in arctic and northern regions around the world. It grows on the ground and on rocks.

reindeer lichen, (Cladonia rangiferina), a fruticose (bushy, branched) lichen found in great abundance in Arctic lands. The lichen covers immense areas in northern tundra and taiga ecosystems and serves as pasture for reindeer, moose, caribou, and musk oxen.

Reindeer Moss (scientific name: Cladonia rangiferina) is not a true moss but a lichen (a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga). It is found in arctic and boreal regions where it serves as a primary food source for reindeer (hence the name) and caribou during the winter months.

Reindeer moss - also known as ‘Caribou Moss’ and ‘Reindeer Lichen’ - is actually a lichen formed through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae. Reindeer moss derives its common name from the fact it is a source of food to reindeer.

May 11, 2012 · Reindeer moss (also known as Reindeer Lichen or Caribou Moss) is a light-colored, low-growing plant only a few centimeters tall. It grows very slowly at a rate of only a few millimeters per year. Reindeer Moss has many branches with each branch dividing into 3-4 additional branches.

Dec 13, 2022 · Reindeer moss branches in a way that resembles reindeer antlers! Reindeer moss, reindeer lichen, and caribou moss are common names for Cladonia rangiferina, a lichen of the Cladoniaceae family. This lichen is only moss in appearance: it looks like something in between fungi and algae.

May 30, 2024 · Caribou lichens, Cladonia (Cladina) spp., are a slow-growing, vital winter forage for caribou. They are commonly called “reindeer moss” but aren’t really moss. And they are important to both reindeer and to caribou.

Aug 4, 2015 · Caribou moss belongs to the class of lichens. These hardy species have unique adaptations, like many Arctic-dwelling organisms, to endure tough winters and survive in extreme conditions.

Apr 26, 2024 · Some folks say it’s called reindeer moss because it looks like reindeer antlers. Others say it is because it’s an important food for caribou, a type of deer. In any case, it’s not really moss but it’s really edible by people, and can save your life in certain circumstances. There’s a lot more you’ll want to learn about it, so read ...