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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