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discelium moss

Scientific Name: Discelium nudum

Family: Disceliaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Discelium nudum: The Flag-Moss

Discelium nudum, commonly known as flag-moss or discelium moss, is a rare but widely distributed moss species and the only species within the genus Discelium and the family Disceliaceae.

In Finnish, it's known as "Nuppisammal." Other common names include Naked Flag Moss and naked weissia moss.

Considerations for Pets

  • This moss seems to consist only of a capsule on a seta coming directly out of the substrate.
  • Discelium nudum is a tiny moss.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Discelium nudum (Dicks.) Brid.
  • Family: Disceliaceae
  • Genus: Discelium Brid.
  • Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: discelium moss
  • Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 15835

Distribution and Habitat

  • Discelium nudum is widely distributed, though rare.
  • It grows on soils rich in clay or silt.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Northern Sweden (Vasterbotten province)
    • British representation: Northern Scotland, southern Scotland, northern England, English Midlands, Wales, southeast England.
    • Breconshire, Wales (banks of the Afon Cledan)
    • California, USA
    • Czech Republic

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a tiny, brownish-green moss.
  • At first glance, it appears to only consist of a capsule on a seta coming directly from the substrate.
  • It has a reduced brownish gametophyte and persistent green protonema.
  • Easily recognized by the extremely small, echlorophyllose and ecostate.

Ecological Role

  • Discelium nudum is an acrocarpous clay-inhabiting pioneer moss.
  • It occurs on fine-textured mineral soil.
  • It is a red-listed taxon in British Columbia.
  • Exquisite pioneer of unstable clay banks.

Quirky Facts

  • This plant is easily recognized by the extremely small, echlorophyllose and ecostate.
  • Discelium nudum is the only moss in some regions that occurs on fine-textured mineral soil.

Further Information

  • ITIS: TSN 15835
  • CalPhotos
  • Ohio Moss and Lichen Association: ohiomosslichen.org
  • Bryophytes of BC