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crossidium moss
Scientific Name: Crossidium
Family: Pottiaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Crossidium
Crossidium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Pottiaceae. The common name for many species within this genus is "crossidium moss."
Considerations for Pets
- Some Crossidium species form dense, hoary tufts. This might be interesting to pets who like to explore textures.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Bryophyta
- Class: Bryopsida
- Order: Pottiales
- Family: Pottiaceae
- Genus: Crossidium
Distribution and Habitat
- Crossidium is especially common on thin soil over boulders and often grows as linear colonies in cracks in rocks.
- Specific locations mentioned include the Mojave Desert of Nevada (USA), South Africa (Western Cape Province), and Dagestan.
- Distribution maps are available via USDA for certain species like Crossidium squamiferum.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Crossidium seriatum (Tiny Tassel) is described as a small, dark green to golden brown moss.
- Crossidium species, in general, share some growth of filaments.
- Crossidium crassinervium var. crassinervium is a small moss, often occurring as scattered stems in sandy, arid areas. Its awns are frequently as long as the leaves.
Other Species of Note
- Crossidium aberrans
- Crossidium crassinerve
- Crossidium desertorum
- Crossidium rosei
- Crossidium seriatum (Tiny Tassel Moss)
- Crossidium spiralifolium
- Crossidium squamiferum
Synonyms and Alternative Names
- Crossidium squamiferum was previously known as Barbula squamifera Viv.
Ecological Role
- Some Crossidium species, such as Crossidium crassinerve, are desert mosses that exhibit desiccation tolerance.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Crossidium species can be found growing in association with lichens.
Resources and Further Information
- Taxonomic information can be found in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), with a specific TSN (Taxonomic Serial Number) provided for some species.
- Encyclopedia of Life also provides information on some species.
- Drone-Application-Server database provides publication information for Crossidium aberrans.