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reindeer lichen

Scientific Name: Cladina arbuscula

Family: Cladoniaceae

Category: Lichen

Growth: Lichenous

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Reindeer Lichen (Cladonia rangiferina)

Reindeer lichen, despite its common name, is not a moss but a fruticose lichen. It belongs to the Cladoniaceae family and plays a significant ecological role, particularly as a food source for reindeer and caribou.

Common Names

  • Reindeer Lichen
  • Reindeer Moss
  • Caribou Moss
  • Reindeer Moss Lichen
  • Deer Moss

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cladonia rangiferina
  • Family: Cladoniaceae
  • Synonym: Cladina rangiferina (Nyl.) Nyl.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Grows in extremely cold northernmost regions of the globe.
  • Found in Arctic and some north temperate regions.
  • Often grows on moors and heathland.
  • Can form dense mats covering the ground.
  • Also found in central Florida (Cladonia evansii and Cladonia subtenuis).
  • Rare inland occurrences such as at Mima Mounds in southwest Washington State.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Light-colored.
  • Fruticose (shrub-like) lichen.
  • Erect and greyish branching structure.
  • Resembles reindeer antlers when seen up close.
  • Consists of hollow tubes.
  • Typically grows up to 8 cm (3 inches) high.
  • Soft and pliable when wet, but wiry and potentially brittle when dry.
  • Frequently grows in dense mats of varying thickness.

Ecological Role

  • Primary food source for reindeer (Rangifer) and caribou.
  • Also a food source for moose.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically used in Scandinavia for the manufacture of alcohol.
  • Iceland lichen (Cetraria islandica), sometimes confused with reindeer lichen (Cladonia sp.), is sold in health food stores.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Symbiotic relationship between a fungus and unicellular algae (or cyanobacterium).

Quirky Facts

  • Reindeer lichen isn't a single organism, but a symbiotic partnership between a fungus and an alga (or cyanobacterium).
  • One author described lichens as "fungi that have discovered agriculture."

Further Information

  • ARKive: Provides photos and facts about Reindeer lichen.
  • Tom Volk's article: Discusses Reindeer Moss and lichens in general.
  • iDigBio and the Working group ARPO (Augmented Reality for Public Outreach): Offers lichen card content.