Cetraria

Cetraria
Cetraria aculeata
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Fungi
Division: Ascomycota
Class: Lecanoromycetes
Order: Lecanorales
Family: Parmeliaceae
Genus: Cetraria
Ach. (1803)
Type species
Cetraria islandica
(L.) Ach. (1803)
Synonyms[1]
  • Cetraria sect. Platysma Körb. (1859)
  • Cetrariomyces E.A.Thomas (1939)
  • Coelocaulon Link (1833)
  • Geissodea Vent. (1799)
  • Platisma Hoffm. (1796)
  • Platyphyllum Vent. (1799)
  • Pseudocornicularia Gyeln. (1933)
  • Squamaria Hoffm. (1789)

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. Species have a characteristic "strap-like" form, with spiny lobe edges.

Cetraria islandica, Iceland moss, is one of the few culinary lichens, ground and eaten by Northern Europeans in times of famine.

Another species is used today as a "bulking" agent in garam masala of traditional Indian cuisine.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference Fungorum synonymy was invoked but never defined (see the help page).