Plant Guide > Mosses and Lichens > Lichens > Genus Cetraria > Iceland Moss Lichen

Iceland Moss Lichen

Iceland Moss, Cetraria Islandica, (L.) Ach.

Habit and habitat.-On earth.

Vegetative organ (thallus). -Cartilaginous and shrubby (fruticulose); usually brown above, lighter toward the base where there is sometimes a red stain.

Fruiting disks (apothecia).-Not numerous, shield-like and dark chestnut.

Branches.-Flattened, not hollow, rolled in on the margin which is beset with a fringe of dark-coloured hairs o.3 to 0.5 mm. long.

Name.-The specific name (Islandica) refers to the fact that this lichen is very abundant in Iceland.