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Cynodontium: A Genus of Mosses

Cynodontium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Dicranaceae. These mosses are often referred to by the common name "cynodontium moss."

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cynodontium Bruch & Schimp. ex Schimp.
• Family: Dicranaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Common Name: Cynodontium moss
• Synonyms: Dicranum (in some species, e.g., Dicranum gracilescens)

Species Examples

• Cynodontium alpestre (Wahlenb.) Milde
• Cynodontium bruntonii
• Cynodontium gracilescens (Web. &amp Mohr.) Schimp.
  • Formerly known as: Dicranum gracilescens Web. &amp Mohr
• Cynodontium jenneri (Schimp.) Stirt. (Jenner's dog-tooth moss)
• Cynodontium polycarpon (Many-fruited Dog-tooth)
• Cynodontium schisti (Schist Cynodontium Moss)
• Cynodontium strumiferum (Hedw.) Lindb. (Strumose dog-tooth moss)
• Cynodontium strumulosum C. Miill. &amp Kindb.
• Cynodontium suecicum
• Cynodontium tenellum (Bruch &amp Schimp. in B.S.G.) Limpr.

Morphological Characteristics

• Some species, such as Cynodontium bruntonii, form dense, dark to mid-green cushions up to 5 cm high.
• Leaves can be around 3 mm long and may curl.
• The dry capsule of all species of Cynodontium is furrowed with regular striations.

Habitat and Distribution

• Found in various locations, including Montana (USA), British Isles, Newfoundland, and Quebec.
• Habitats range from neutral to acidic conditions, with most Cynodontium species favoring non-basic environments.

Ecology

• Some species are considered rare and are tracked by natural heritage programs.

Quirky Facts

• The genus name Cynodontium might make some botanists think of the Pottiaceae family.
• Several species have "dog-tooth" in their common name (e.g., Brunton's Dog-tooth, Hairy Dogtooth Moss).

Resources and Further Information

• Tropicos
• Cent. Amer. Moss
• China Moss
• MossWorld Flora
• Encyclopedia of Life
• California Moss eFlora
• Wikimedia Commons (for multimedia related to Cynodontium polycarpon)