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dicranoweisia moss

Scientific Name: Dicranoweisia crispula

Family: Dicranaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Dicranoweisia Moss

The name Dicranoweisia refers to a genus of mosses. Several species are mentioned, including Dicranoweisia cirrata and Dicranoweisia crispula.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae (Plants)
  • Genus: Dicranoweisia Lindb. ex Milde
  • Family: Dicranaceae

Synonyms or alternative scientific names for Dicranoweisia cirrata include:

  • Weissia cirrata Hedw.

Synonyms or alternative scientific names for Dicranoweisia crispula include:

  • Dicranoweisia crispula var. compacta
  • Dicranoweisia crispula var. contermina

Distribution and Habitat

  • Dicranoweisia cirrata can be commonly found growing on tree trunks. It is not native to California.
  • Dicranoweisia crispula grows at both poles, including the South Shetland Islands and Antarctica. It has also been found in the Northwest Territories.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Mosses in the Dicranoweisia genus have crispate (curled or wavy) leaves with entire (smooth) margins and acute (pointed) to acuminate (tapering to a point) apices.
  • They form compact tufts or cushions.

Dicranoweisia cirrata:

  • Is a medium-sized acrocarpous moss.
  • Forms neat yellow to green cushions up to 3cm high.
  • Has erect leaves that are quite wavy when moist and about 2.5mm long.

Common Names

  • Dicranoweisia moss
  • Curly Thatch Moss (for Dicranoweisia cirrata)
  • Mountain Pincushion (for Dicranoweisia crispula)
  • Common Pincushion (for Dicranoweisia cirrata)

Quirky Facts

  • Dicranoweisia crispula grows at both poles.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • USDA
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • Arctos