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ctenidium moss

Scientific Name: Ctenidium

Family: Hypnaceae

Category: Moss

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Ctenidium molluscum: An In-Depth Look at Comb-Moss

Ctenidium molluscum, commonly known as Chalk Comb-moss or simply Comb-moss, is a fascinating and variable moss species. This page explores its taxonomy, distribution, morphology, and more.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt.
  • Common Names: Chalk Comb-moss, Comb-moss, Mollusc Ctenidium Moss
  • Synonyms:
    • Ctenidium malacodes Mitt.
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Bryophyta
  • Class: Bryopsida
  • Order: Hypnales
  • Family: Hypnaceae
  • Genus: Ctenidium
  • Symbol: CTENI3

Distribution and Habitat

  • Ctenidium molluscum is a widespread and common species.
  • Example habitat: Slate Run Metro Park, Pickaway County, Ohio, Daugbjerg kalkgruber, Jylland, Danmark.

Morphological Characteristics

  • This moss forms soft, closely branched, loose, yellowish-green patches.
  • It grows in mats with short pinnate structures.
  • Leaves of the comb moss do not have a midrib.
  • Described as a "very shiny moss with bright recurved tips."

Quirky Facts

  • The German name for Ctenidium molluscum is "Weiches Kammmoos" or "Strauenfedernmoos," which translates to "Soft Comb-moss" or "Ostrich Feather Moss."

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Tardigrades (water bears) have been found on Ctenidium molluscum.

Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
  • Tropicos
  • British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes