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dicranella moss
Scientific Name: Dicranella cerviculata
Family: Dicranaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Dicranella
Dicranella is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Dicranaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Dicranella species form dense cushions or patches up to 3 cm deep, potentially posing a minor ingestion hazard if pets consume large quantities.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Dicranella (Mll. Hal.) Schimp.
- Family: Dicranaceae
- Order: Dicranales
- Kingdom: Plantae (implied through the mention of scientific classification)
- Synonyms: Some species formerly classified under Dicranum Hedw. and Anisothecium Mitt. have been reclassified into Dicranella. Some sources consider Dichodontium as relevant.
Common Names
- Dicranella moss
- Silky Forklet-moss (specifically for Dicranella heteromalla)
- Marsh Forklet-moss (specifically for Dicranella palustris)
- Howe's dicranella moss (specifically for Dicranella howei)
Distribution and Habitat
- Dicranella mosses are largely soil-inhabiting.
- They are abundant, mostly in the humid northwest regions.
- Dicranella heteromalla is commonly found growing on bare mineral soil.
- Dicranella dietrichiae can be found along the banks of old forestry roads in d'Aguilar National Park, near Brisbane.
- Dicranella hilariana has been found in the Antarctic.
Morphological Characteristics
- They form dense, yellow-green to mid-green cushions or patches, often up to 3 cm deep but often smaller.
- Leaves are generally falcate-secund (curved to one side).
- Leaves are more or less curved, 3 to 3.5 mm long, pointing in.
- Dicranella heteromalla is recognized by suberect, obliquely furrowed capsules tapered.
Genetic Information
- One study showed a chromosome number of n=23 in one of the mosses in the genus. The number is expressed as n= 22+m because it has collected a submerged moss ("Dicranella sp.") occurring.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Observed being a key moss along forest trails after recent gardening where ecology was not well understood.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database: Provides maps and information, such as for Dicranella squarrosa.
- GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Offers a view on Dicranella.
- PlantsMusci, Mossen: Features information on Dicranella heteromalla.
- British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes: Contains checklists including Dicranella heteromalla.