Origin and history
Reindeer lichen, also known as Arctic Iceland moss or caribou moss, is a unique plant that grows in cold regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Contrary to its name, it is neither a moss nor a plant per se, but a symbiosis between a fungus and an alga. Highly resistant to frost and drought, it survives in extreme environments. For thousands of years, it has been the main food source for reindeer and caribou during the winter, hence its name. It is also used by northern and Scandinavian populations for its softening and toning properties.