SafePlants

Cynodontium Moss

Cynodontium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Dicranaceae. Several species are mentioned within this genus, with varying distributions and characteristics. This plant is commonly referred to as cynodontium moss.

Considerations for Pets

• Cynodontium bruntonii forms dense cushions, which could be appealing to pets to interact with.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cynodontium Bruch & Schimp. ex Schimp.
• Family: Dicranaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Common Names: cynodontium moss
• Synonyms:
  • Cynodontium jenneri (Schimp. in Howie) Stirt. (Jenner's cynodontium moss or Jenner's dog-tooth moss)
  • Cynodontium gracilescens (Web. & Mohr.) Schimp. (Slender Dogtooth Moss). Synonym: Dicranum gracilescens Web. & Mohr.
  • Cynodontium strumiferum (Hedw.) Lindb. (strumose dog-tooth moss)

Distribution and Habitat

• Cynodontium species are found in various locations, including Montana in the United States, Newfoundland, Quebec, and the British Isles.
• Specific species like Cynodontium alpestre have mapped distributions.
• Some species favor non-basic (acidic) habitats.

Morphological Characteristics

• Cynodontium bruntonii is a medium-sized moss that forms dense, dark to mid-green cushions up to 5 cm high. Its leaves are approximately 3 mm long and tend to curl.
• The dry capsules of all Cynodontium species are furrowed with regular striations.

Ecological Role

• Cynodontium species are found in various ecosystems, with some preferring specific pH conditions.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions specimens of Cynodontium found alongside other mosses like Dichodontium and Dicranella in herbarium collections.

Further Information

• Tropicos
• Cent. Amer. Moss
• China Moss
• MossWorld Flora
• Wikimedia Commons (for Cynodontium polycarpon)
• Encyclopedia of Life