Consumption moss, Iceland Moss, Lichen
Cetraria islandica
Family: Parmeliaceae
What it is like
A lichen. It grows 2-6 cm high and spreads widely. The thallus lobes are brown and erect. The branches are leathery and crinkled. There are an very small projections along the edges of the branches.
There are about 40 Cetraria species. The plant is becoming rare.
Where it is found
It is a cold temperate plant. It grows on heather moors in northern regions. It is hardy to frosts. It suits stony barren cool areas. It can tolerate droughts.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Arctic, Australia, Austria, Balkans, Britain (country/location of origin), Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, Europe, Finland, Iceland, India, Italy, Lithuania, Macedonia, Mediterranean, New Zealand, North America, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Sweden, Switzerland, USA
How it is used for food
The thallus lobes are boiled and dried and ground into powder and used in baking a kind of bread. They need to be boiled to remove the bitter principle. The jelly like material is used for puddings and soups. They are mixed with cereals and mashed potatoes. They are also used for tea like drinks.
Edible parts
Leaves, lichen
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by spores.
Its other names
Local names
Gratacoul, Islandi sammal, Liivasamblad, Mokh, Moura della yed, Nommesammal, Podrasammal, Puklerka islandska