The dried plant, C. islandica (family Parmeliaceae), a lichen, not a moss, used as a demulcent and as a folk remedy for bronchitis. SYN: Iceland moss. [L. caetra, a short Spanish shield (from shape of the apothecia)]
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Ce·trar·ia si-'trar-ē-ə n a genus of foliose lichens (family Parmeliaceae) chiefly of northern latitudes that includes Iceland moss
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Ce·tra·ria (sə-trarґe-ə) a genus of lichens occurring mainly in the high northern latitudes; C. islanґdica, or Iceland moss, is used medicinally.Medical dictionary. 2011.