Bryoria fremontii

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Bryoria fremontii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Fungi Division: Ascomycota Class: Ascomycetes Order: Lecanorales Family: Parmeliaceae Genus: Bryoria Species: B. fremontii
Binomial name
Bryoria fremontii

Black tree lichen or horsehair lichen can be found on coniferous trees in Western Canada and the United States. It consists of dark coloured filaments which hang from branches, growing up to 90cm long. It is soft when wet but gets hard as it dries.^[1][2]

[edit] Uses

Black tree lichen was a very important food for indigenous people who used it largely as an emergency food. Unlike most lichens in the area, it is low in vulpinic acid, making it edible. It can be eaten raw in emergencies but should still be modified before eaten. It can be used year round and, and when cooked, can be stored as dried 'cakes' or crackers.^[1][2]

[edit] See also

• Sk'elep

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b} Turner, Nancy J. Food Plants of Interior First Peoples (Victoria: UBC Press, 1997) ISBN 0-7748-0606-0
2. ^ ^{a b} WSDOT - Ethnobotany - Lichens