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Entosthodon: An Overview of Cord-Mosses

Entosthodon, commonly known as entosthodon moss or cord-moss, is a genus of mosses belonging to the Funariaceae family. This page provides an overview of various species within the Entosthodon genus, including their classification, distribution, and other relevant information.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Entosthodon Schwgr.
• Common Names: Entosthodon moss, cord-moss
• Family: Funariaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus
• Synonyms: Some species formerly classified as Funaria are now considered part of Entosthodon (e.g., Funaria fascicularis is now Entosthodon fascicularis).

Distribution and Habitat

Entosthodon mosses have a wide distribution. Specific species mentioned include:

• Entosthodon kochii, native to California.
• Entosthodon hungaricus, a European species.
• Species found in Asia, including Bangladesh, Mainland China, India, Java, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam (e.g., Entosthodon buseanus).
• Entosthodon fascicularis (banded cord-moss) in Canada and British Columbia.

Morphological Characteristics

• Entosthodon obtusus (Blunt Cord-moss) is described as a small moss, with shoots up to 5 mm tall, growing in scattered shoots or loose tufts. The leaves are 1.5–2.5 mm long.

Ecological Role

• Management plans exist in Canada to protect species such as Entosthodon fascicularis (banded cord-moss) and Entosthodon rubiginosus (rusty cord-moss), indicating their conservation status and potential vulnerability.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Entosthodon, like other members of the Funariales order, shares similarities with members of the Bryaceae family.

Further Information

• CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants: Includes Entosthodon kochii.
• British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes.
• Tropicos database.