Thursday, November 3, 2011

Moss and lichen

Cladonia stellaris

We call it Window lichen and pick it to decorate flower pots outside or the the candlestick during Christmas. I like the chubby look of it and when it's wet it's quite soft. But I know others who love it even more as the lichen is an important feed for reindeers. It happens that this lichen is called White moss here but that is a mistake because ....


this is the real White moss, and as everybody can see it looks quite green. But I think the explanation is that when you squeeze it and let it dry from water it looks more white.


When it's dry it's both antiseptic and has a very good capability to absorb fluids. So it has a been used as diapers and sanitary napkins long before anyone went to the supermarket to buy these kind of products. 




6 comments:

Nelle Somerville said...

So interesting. Love the candlestick idea. You must show us your Christmas decorations with it this year.

Gowganda Photography said...

Ella, Two of my most favorite plants. I can spend days in some of the bogs around here.

JMW said...

The color of the lichen in the first photo is really lovely. That would be pretty surrounding a candle stick at Christmas!

Don said...

Now I know more than I did this morning.

Ms. Becky said...

oh I love that window lichen. I wish we had that here, or even an equivalent. I hope you show us photos of your decorated Christmas candlesticks! your world is so beautiful and interesting. thanks for sharing it with us Ella. happy day to you.

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

THAT is so cool! I received an education in this post Ella!