Classification and its Physical Appearance
Classification
Common Name: Reindeer Moss or Caribou Moss
Scientific Name: Cladonia Rangeferina
Kingdom: Plants
Phylum: Bryophytes
Class: Hepaticae
Physical Description
Grows no more than 7 inches and is 4 inches thick
Foamy, grey-green, sponge-like masses
Does not have any leaves
The fruit consists of wind-dispersed spores, which are rarely seen.
Stems are hollows and branched (split) in pairs
Spongy and rubbery when moist
Dry and brittle when there is little rain
If burned, reindeer moss will be slow to recover
General Information
Reindeer moss is a lichen (both fungus and algae) that is a rare and endangered plant because of pollution, sulfide dioxide and other hazardous chemicals deteriorating the atmosphere. It is considered as very delicate compared to other plants when it comes to overgrazing and trampling on by human deeds, as well as disasters such as fires. If this plant was ever to be removed completely from the biome, it would take approximately 30-50 years to recover to damage caused. Reindeer moss’s roots are weakly fixed to the soil, making them easier to destroy when animals trample on them.
Did You Know?
‘Did you know that reindeer moss, like other types of lichen, is an indicator of air quality. It has a high level of absorption from the surrounding air, and is therefore sensitive to changes in pollution levels.’ (Earth Day, Canada)
Native Continent and its Habitat
Reindeer mosses are not native to any specific continent. They are found from Nova Scotia to Florida and west into Texas, Missouri and Illinois as well as many other countries in the arctic tundra such as northern Canada, mountains as far as California and Alaska or any temperate regions in the north.
Adaptations that Allow for Success
In order to survive, the reindeer moss have adapted very well with the tundra biome. Just like all the other plants inhabiting tundra, they are well adapted to resist heavy winds and soil disturbances. It has the ability to absorb moisture and nutrients from the air through cells on its surface, however, it is also a hazard to them because they absorb pollutants in the air. The fungus part of the reindeer moss consists of spongy threads supporting the algae to keep the plant moist and prevent it from drying out. This plant’s tissues are also not easily damaged from the frosty weather because the plant simply becomes dormant when nutrients and natural resources are minimal.
Reproduction and Development
Reindeer moss is a lichen and therefore, is a combination of fungus and alga. They reproduce by forming a symbiotic (close) relationship, releasing spores that are blown by the wind which produces a new plant. First, the green plant (gametophyte) produces male and female sex cells (gametes) which later fuse together. It then develops into a sporophyte (producing spores). The sporophyte are then released into new green mosses. As mentioned, it is an algae and consequently has chlorophyll that allows the plant to produce their own food even in very low temperatures and light conditions.
Reindeer moss live for a very long time. Its first stage of growth already takes up 25 years! The second stage is the stable period where new growth at the tip and base die off, this stage lasts for around a whole century. The third stage of growth also lasts for yet, another century! However, they grow extremely slow, even if Caribou grazing on it lightly, the plant may take several years to recover.
Interesting Relationships (interdependence, symbiosis, economical significance)
Reindeer moss form a mutual or symbiosis relationship between them and other animals by forming new soil and stabilize eroding sand which helps them and other plants grow more sufficiently. At the same time they also create microhabitats for other animals which provide plants more oxygen to create photosynthesis. It is the most essential food for reindeer and caribou, taking up 60-70% of their diet. As mentioned before, reindeer moss is a lichen (plant grows on rocks)- a combination of a fungus and an alga, thus shares a symbiotic relationship leading up to reproduction of new green plants.
Reindeer moss also provide a huge economical significance by people occasionally using it as powder that makes desserts or soup thicker if it is boiled to remove acids. It is high in quality of Vitamin A and B sources and mainly use it for survival food. Native American also used reindeer moss to treat physical pains in the digestive and respiratory systems such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, gastritis (inflammation of stomach lining), inflammation of the mouth, the throat and the intestines and make various herbal remedies. Hence, these reasons prove that reindeer moss contribute to an important role in the world’s economy.