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discelium moss
Scientific Name: Discelium
Family: Disceliaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Discelium nudum: The Flag-Moss
Discelium nudum, commonly known as flag-moss or discelium moss, is a unique and rare moss species.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Discelium nudum (Dicks.) Brid.
- Family: Disceliaceae
- Genus: Discelium (the only genus in the family)
- Rank: Species
- Synonyms: Naked Flag Moss, Naked Weissia Moss
- Other Names: Nuppisammal (Finnish common name)
- Taxonomic Serial No. (TSN): 15835
Distribution and Habitat
- Discelium nudum is widely distributed, though rare.
- It has been found in Northern Scotland, southern Scotland, northern England, the English Midlands, Wales, southeast England, Northern Sweden (Vasterbotten), Czech Republic, and California.
- This moss prefers soils rich in clay or silt and is often found on fine-textured mineral soils and unstable clay banks.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Discelium nudum is a very tiny, brownish-green moss.
- It appears to consist mainly of a capsule on a seta (stalk) emerging directly from the substrate.
- It has a reduced brownish gametophyte and persistent green protonema, setting it apart from other North American mosses.
- The plant is characterized by an extremely small, echlorophyllose (lacking chlorophyll), and ecostate (lacking a midrib) structure.
Ecological Role
- Discelium nudum is an acrocarpous clay-inhabiting pioneer moss.
- It is considered a pioneer species, quickly establishing itself on suitable substrates.
Considerations for Pets
- This moss is very tiny and may be easily disturbed by pets.
- As a rare moss that prefers soils high in clay, it can be found in soils, which may be a cause for concern with soil-eating animals.
Quirky Facts
- Discelium nudum is described as producing sporophytes with long setae, similar to Buxbaumia and Tetradontium, making it a distinctive moss.
Further Information
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): https://www.itis.gov/
- CalPhotos: https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/
- Ohio Moss and Lichen Association: ohiomosslichen.org