Cladonia species and Cladonia Stellaris Identification,Economic importance and Phytochemicals,a wonderful thing more than fodder for reindeer.

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Cladonia Stellaris Economic importance and Uses.

Cladonia stellaris Extract Cladonia alpestris C. Stellaris extract.Atranorin.CAS No.:479-20-9.NSC685591.Que Lu Rui,Tai Bai Hua photo picture image Cladonia stellaris has an immense importance as winter fodder for reindeer. It has been shown that reindeer are able to digest 80-90 % of the carbohydrates in the lichen (other ruminants can usually utilize 40-50 %). During the winter 60-90 % of the reindeer fodder in continental areas is lichens. Of these Cladonia stellaris takes the main share. Unfortunately all the ground dwelling lichens which are browsed by reindeer have slow growth. Areas with moderate browsing (up to 30 % of the lichen cover) need a rotation period of 3-4 year, while intensively browsed areas require more than ten times of this period to regenerate. Some places in Norway overbrowsing by reindeer is a serious problem, especially in our northernmost counties.

 Cladonia stellaris has also been used as human food in starvation periods, albeit Cetraria islandica has been more important for this purpose. The human stomach lacks the appropriate microorganisms to degrade lichen carbohydrates. However, the polymer carbohydrate, lichenin, will swell in boiling water. By eating boiled lichens the stomach will be inflated enough to stop the feeling of hunger (at least for a while).

 Cladonia stellaris is still collected for decoration purposes, especially in northeastern parts of South Norway. 700.000 kg were exported in 1977, mainly to western Europe and the U.S.A. This activity still makes a noticeable contribution to the economy in some districts.
 Cladonia stellaris Extract Cladonia alpestris C. Stellaris extract.Atranorin.CAS No.:479-20-9.NSC685591.Que Lu Rui,Tai Bai Hua photo picture image

 Reproduction: Dispersal mainly by means of thallus fragments and to a much smaller extent by spores. Wind most important dispersal agent.

 Grow vegetatively by producing new growth annual at the top of the podetium, which lengthens the internode formed in previous years.

 Podetium passes through three growth stages.

 Growth/accumulation period, lasts an average of 10 years but can vary from 5 to 25 years. During this stage no part of the podetium dies off.

 Growth/renewal period, podetium grows at its highest rate but dies off at the base at a rate equal to growth. This stage often exceeds 100 years.

 Podetium degeneration period, the podetium dies off at a greater rate than it grows. This stage may also exceed 100 years.

 Factors that probably contribute to variation in lichen growth include: the age of the podetium; prior disturbance by animals; and site conditions such as substrate, drainage, and exposure.

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citations1.Cladonia species and Cladonia Stellaris Identification,Economic importance and Phytochemicals,a wonderful thing more than fodder for reindeer.

last edit date:1st,July.2009.