Regardless of the quantity consumed, this acid can cause humans unpleasant stomach cramps. This is because reindeer moss, like the majority of other lichens, is 94% carbohydrates and 6% acid. Although, it’s important to caveat the moss needs to be thoroughly boiled and prepared before consumption - otherwise it may cause stomach problems.
This makes it an ideal source of food for the herbivorous animals that live there.Īs well as providing reindeer with a source of food in unforgiving environments, reindeer moss can also be a source of food for humans. Its resilient nature allows reindeer moss to survive in these types of unforgiving climates and habitats which most plants are unable to. It commonly grows in alpine areas where these creatures live, such as Scandinavia and Canada. Reindeer moss is not just a vital food source for reindeer, but for moose and caribou too. Habitats can vary from pine forests to low alpine sites, and the plant can also grow in both hot and cold climates. However, without sufficient water or light, it can dry out and enter a state of dormancy, but it does have the capability of regrowth even if the lichen has been dormant for a substantial amount of time.Īs a resilient plant species, reindeer moss is able to thrive in a diverse range of habitats. Due to this symbiotic relationship, reindeer moss is very resilient and can endure for long periods without water. This is a reciprocal relationship in the sense that the fungus provides the minerals and moisture, while the algae offers nutrition through photosynthesis.
Its colour can vary, appearing with anything from a whitish tinge, a hue of grey, or a combination of brown and grey.Īs just mentioned, reindeer moss is composed of two organisms - fungus and algae. In appearance, reindeer moss tends to be branched, with each branch dividing into a maximum of four larger branches. This means if its growth is disrupted - due to factors such as human intervention or overgrazing by reindeer - it can take decades or more for the plant to regrow. Reindeer moss grows at a very slow pace - usually just 3-5mm per year. Reindeer moss derives its common name from the fact it is a source of food to reindeer.
Reindeer moss - also known as ‘Caribou Moss’ and ‘Reindeer Lichen’ - is actually a lichen formed through a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and algae.
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