Reindeer Moss (Cenomyce rangiferina or Cladonia rangiferina), a lichen of great importance to the Laplanders and other inhabitants of the northernmost regions of Europe and Asia, as forming the chief winter food of the reindeer. It is found in almost all parts of the world, but is most abundant and luxuriant in the Arctic regions.
It is common in Britain, growing in moors and on mountains. It covers extensive tracts in Lapland and other very northern countries, making them even in summer as white as snow, and often thus occupies the ground in pine forests. When pine forests are destroyed by fire it soon springs up in its greatest luxuriance. It is a very variable plant, but always consists of a much-branched erect cylindrical tubular thallus, with small perforations in the axils. It attains a height of two inches and upwards. The branches of plants which grow together usually mix very intricately into one mass. The importance of this lichen was first brought into notice by Linnæus. The reindeer reach it by scraping, even when it is covered with very deep snow. It is capable of being used for human food, though its taste is slightly acrid. Its nutritional qualities depend on Lichenin (q.v.).