Reindeer Lichen - Cladonia rangiferina

by Carol Senske

Title

Reindeer Lichen - Cladonia rangiferina

Artist

Carol Senske

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

This is the species of reindeer lichen that seems most likely as a correct ID - please let me know if I've guessed wrong:>).

Reindeer lichen grow in alpine tundra areas as well as open, northern woods and well-drained locations. They can be found as far south as Florida in the USA, but are much more common in the cold. northern climes of all those colder countries. This lichen picture was taken on Island Beach State Park in Seaside Park, New Jersey, in July of 2012. It grows in sand in open areas of scrubby woods.

This lichen is an important food source for reindeer. It is a slow-grower and has a tough time coming back from disasters like over-grazing, fires, and maybe hurricanes like Sandy. I guess we'll see about that next year.

For more detailed information you can visit:

http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/toms_fungi/dec2000.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cladonia_rangiferina

Uploaded

November 21st, 2012

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