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Distichium Mosses

This page provides information about mosses within the genus Distichium, specifically Distichium capillaceum and Distichium inclinatum.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Genus: Distichium Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
• Family: Ditrichaceae
• Distichium capillaceum (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp.
  • Synonym: Cynontodium capillaceum Hedw.
  • Synonym: Isopterygium muellerianum
  • Variety: Distichium capillaceum var. capillaceum (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp.
  • Common Name: Fine Distichium, Erect-fruited Iris-moss, Distichium Moss
• Distichium inclinatum (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp.
  • Common Name: Incline Distichium Moss

Distribution and Habitat

• Distichium mosses are found in high-elevation rock crevices and sometimes on wet soil in alpine sites.
• Distichium capillaceum grows on damp ledges or in crevices of mildly base-rich rocks.
• Distichium inclinatum has been found near Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, and is also documented in Antarctica.

Morphological Characteristics

• Distichium capillaceum has a distinctive structure with a sheathing basal portion and a spreading limb that is almost all costa.
• The leaves are described as subulate (awl-shaped). Some leaves have a rough (papillose), linear subula while others have a smooth mucro.

Quirky Facts

• Moss sporophyte capsules may provide an easily accessible forage for wildlife.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): For taxonomic information.
• Encyclopedia of Life: For species information on Distichium capillaceum.
• Tropicos: Accessed via the "China Moss" link.
• Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas: For information on growth forms.
• Flora of Iceland: Image resource for Distichium capillaceum.
• iNaturalist: For viewing photos of Distichium capillaceum.