![]() 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. It is high in quality of Vitamin A and B sources and mainly use it for survival food. 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. 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. It is the most essential food for reindeer and caribou, taking up 60-70% of their diet. At the same time they also create microhabitats for other animals which provide plants more oxygen to create photosynthesis. 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. Interesting Relationships (interdependence, symbiosis, economical significance) 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. 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. 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. The sporophyte are then released into new green mosses. It then develops into a sporophyte (producing spores). ![]() First, the green plant (gametophyte) produces male and female sex cells (gametes) which later fuse together. They reproduce by forming a symbiotic (close) relationship, releasing spores that are blown by the wind which produces a new plant. ![]() Reindeer moss is a lichen and therefore, is a combination of fungus and alga. 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. 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. 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. Just like all the other plants inhabiting tundra, they are well adapted to resist heavy winds and soil disturbances. In order to survive, the reindeer moss have adapted very well with the tundra biome. 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. Reindeer mosses are not native to any specific continent. It has a high level of absorption from the surrounding air, and is therefore sensitive to changes in pollution levels.’ (Earth Day, Canada) ‘Did you know that reindeer moss, like other types of lichen, is an indicator of air quality. Reindeer moss’s roots are weakly fixed to the soil, making them easier to destroy when animals trample on them. If this plant was ever to be removed completely from the biome, it would take approximately 30-50 years to recover to damage caused. 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. 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. If burned, reindeer moss will be slow to recover Stems are hollows and branched (split) in pairsĭry and brittle when there is little rain The fruit consists of wind-dispersed spores, which are rarely seen. Grows no more than 7 inches and is 4 inches thick Classification and its Physical AppearanceĬommon Name: Reindeer Moss or Caribou Moss
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