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diphyscium moss

Scientific Name: Diphyscium

Family: Buxbaumiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Diphyscium foliosum

Diphyscium foliosum, commonly known as Powder Gun Moss, is a distinctive moss species. It is also referred to as Nut-moss and Grain-Of-Wheat Moss.

Considerations for Pets

  • This moss forms small, tufted patches.
  • It is often found growing on clay soil and shady banks.

Considerations for Children

  • This moss forms small, tufted patches.
  • It is often found growing on clay soil and shady banks.

Quirky Facts

  • Diphyscium foliosum is called "Powder Gun Moss" because its spores are emitted in little puffs when hit by raindrops.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Diphyscium foliosum (Hedw.) D. Mohr
  • Family: Diphysciaceae / Buxbaumiaceae
  • Genus: Diphyscium Mohr
  • Synonyms: The text mentions other species within the Diphyscium genus, such as Diphyscium cumberlandianum.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Diphyscium foliosum is found in dark-green, widely tufted patches on clay soil and shady banks.
  • Specific locations mentioned include the Polish part of the Carpathians, Northern and Southern Scotland, Northern England, English Midlands, Wales, Central Southern England, and Southwest England.

Morphological Characteristics

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

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Tropicos
  • iStock/Thinkstock for stock photos