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Cetraria Ambigua
''Cetraria'' is a genus of fruticose lichens that associate with green algae as photobionts. Most species are found at high latitudes, occurring on sand or heath, and are characterised by their "strap-like" form with spiny edges. The lobes can range from narrow and linear to broader and flattened, often forming loose or densely packed cushions. Their distinctive spiny margins serve both a defensive role and aid in vegetative reproduction through fragmentation. The genus was created by Erik Acharius in 1803 and belongs to the large family Parmeliaceae. While originally a species-rich genus, taxonomic revisions since the 1960s have split many species into new genera, though the exact circumscription (taxonomy), circumscription remains debated among lichenologists. Several ''Cetraria'' species have cultural and economic importance, particularly ''Cetraria islandica, C. islandica'' (Iceland moss), which has been widely used in European traditional medicine for treating digesti ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Cetraria Islandica
''Cetraria islandica'', also known as true Iceland lichen or Iceland moss, is an Arctic-alpine lichen whose erect or upright, leaflike habit gives it the appearance of a moss, where its name likely comes from. Description It is often of a pale chestnut color, but varies considerably, being sometimes almost entirely grayish-white; and grows to a height of from , the branches being channeled into flattened lobes with fringed edges. Chemistry In commerce it is a light-gray harsh cartilaginous body, almost colorless, and tastes slightly bitter. It contains about 70% of lichenin or lichen-starch, a polymeric carbohydrate compound isomeric with common starch. It also yields a peculiar modification of chlorophyll (called ''thallochlor''), fumaric acid, lichenostearic acid, and cetraric acid (which gives it the bitter taste). It also contains lichesterinic acid and protolichesterinic acids. Distribution and habitat It grows abundantly in the mountainous regions of northern cou ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
