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crossidium moss

Scientific Name: Crossidium squamiferum var. squamiferum

Family: Pottiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Crossidium Moss

The genus Crossidium encompasses various moss species, commonly referred to as "crossidium moss." This moss is part of a broad variety of research and ecological observation.

Considerations for Pets

  • Crossidium species often grow in cracks in rocks.
  • The plants are described as forming dense, hoary tufts that are extremely small.

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Phylum: Bryophyta
  • Class: Bryopsida
  • Order: Pottiales
  • Family: Pottiaceae
  • Genus: Crossidium

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • The genus Crossidium belongs to the family Pottiaceae.
  • A revision of the genus led to the creation of the new genus Microcrossidium.
  • Synonyms and related species include:
    • Crossidium squamiferum (Viv.) Jur.
    • Barbula squamifera Viv. (basionym for Crossidium squamiferum)
    • Crossidium crassinerve (De Not.) Jur.
    • Crossidium desertorum Holz. &amp Bartr.
    • Crossidium griseum (Jur.)
    • Crossidium rosei Williams - Rose Crossidium Moss
    • Crossidium seriatum Crum &amp Steere - Crossidium Moss, also known as Tiny Tassel Moss

Distribution and Habitat

  • Crossidium species are found in various locations, including:
    • USA and Canada
    • Mojave Desert of Nevada (USA)
    • Karoo region of South Africa, Western Cape Province
    • Dagestan
  • They often grow on thin soil over boulders and in cracks in rocks.
  • Crossidium crassinerve is specifically mentioned as being found in sandy arid areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Crossidium seriatum (Tiny Tassel Moss) is a small dark green to golden brown moss.
  • Crossidium species are described as extremely small herbaceous mosses that form dense, hoary tufts.
  • Crossidium crassinervium var. crassinervium is a small moss with awns frequently as long as the leaves.

Ecological Role

  • Some Crossidium species, like Crossidium crassinerve, exhibit desiccation tolerance, which is an important survival strategy in desert environments.
  • The frequency of rainfall events can impact the cover of Crossidium moss in certain environments.

Quirky Facts

  • Crossidium can grow as linear colonies in cracks in rock.

Further Information

  • Taxonomic information can be found on the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) under TSN 548250 for Crossidium squamiferum and TSN 547684 for Crossidium seriatum.
  • Tropicos database.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.
  • USDA Plants Database.