Lichen, Reindeer moss
Cladonia rangiferina

Family: Cladoniaceae

What it is like

A lichen. It grows in carpet like masses. These can be 25 cm across. It is like sponge and made up of inter-tangled stalks.

It is eaten by reindeer.

Where it is found

It grows in arctic and subarctic regions.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Asia, Canada, Czech Republic, Europe, India, North America, Norway, Scandinavia, USA

How it is used for food

It is used for the production of glucose and alcohol. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. The moss is also boiled and drunk. It is also ground into flour and eaten during famine.

Edible parts

Lichen

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Dutohlavka sobi

Synonyms

Cladina rangiferina L.; Lichen rangiferinus;