‘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 The picking of the lichen is subject to a rigorous review (ISO 9001) conducted every 3 years and encompasses all company activities.Classification and its Physical AppearanceĬommon Name: Reindeer Moss or Caribou Moss

The collection of lichen maintains employment for rural communities, and is a requirement in some forest areas where overgrowth of the lichen inhibits propagation of plants and animals. Picking lichen requires a governmental permit and approval of landowners, which include forestry companies, municipalities, and private individuals.

The lichen grows the fastest during the spring period, and is not collected during the winter period during which the ground is covered in snow. No more than 20% of the amount is picked at a time, and the area is not revisited again for at least 4-5 years.

The lichen is picked in a checkerboard pattern, and only from parts above a specified length in order to allow for the best possible conditions for regrowth. Our reindeer moss is picked by hand, following strict rules in terms of environment and sustainability across an area of about 5.000 km² (5800 mi²).

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