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diphyscium moss

Scientific Name: Diphyscium foliosum

Family: Buxbaumiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Diphyscium foliosum

Diphyscium foliosum, also known as Powder Gun Moss or Nut-moss, is a fascinating species of moss.

Considerations for Pets

  • Diphyscium foliosum grows in small tufts.

Quirky Facts

  • The common name "Powder Gun Moss" comes from the way the spores are emitted in little puffs when hit by raindrops.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Diphyscium foliosum (Hedw.) D. Mohr
  • Family: Diphysciaceae or Buxbaumiaceae (sources vary)
  • Genus: Diphyscium Mohr

Synonyms

  • Alternate Scientific Names: Diphyscium sessile (mentioned, but likely a related species)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Diphyscium foliosum is found in various locations including:
    • The Polish part of the Carpathians
    • Rold Skov, Jylland, Danmark
  • It typically grows on clay soil and shady banks.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Shoots occur in small patches, typically up to 5 mm tall.
  • Leaves are dull brownish-green, undulate, and tongue-shaped (lingulate), 1-5 mm long, with rounded tips.
  • Leaves are bistratose (having two layers of cells).

Related Species

  • Diphyscium cumberlandianum Harvill (Cumberland Diphyscium Moss or Cumberland Grain O' Wheat Moss)
  • Diphyscium chiapense
  • Diphyscium ulei

Further Information

  • Tropicos
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • iStock/Thinkstock (for stock photos)
  • Flickr (for user-submitted photos)