SafePlants

Fabronia pusilla and Related Species

This page provides information about Fabronia pusilla, commonly known as Silver Hair Moss or fabronia moss, and related species within the genus Fabronia.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Fabronia is a moss, specifically a nonvascular plant. While generally considered non-toxic, ingestion of any plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset in some animals.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Fabronia pusilla Raddi
• Common Names: Silver Hair Moss, fabronia moss
• Family: Fabroniaceae
• Division: Bryophyta
• Class: Bryopsida

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• The genus Fabronia was named by Guiseppe Raddi (1770-1829).
• Other species mentioned:
  • Fabronia ciliaris (Brid.) Brid.
  • Fabronia rostrata
  • Fabronia pilifera
  • Fabronia australis Hook.
• Synonyms or related taxa:
  • Fabronia andina Mitt. = Fabronia ciliaris var. wrightii fide Buck 1983
  • Fabronia andina var. jaffueli Thr. = Fabronia jamesonii fide
  • Fabronia ciliaris var. wrightii (Sull.) Buck - Wright's fabronia moss
• Taxonomic Serial No. for Fabronia ciliaris: 16485

Distribution and Habitat

• Fabronia is a pleurocarpous moss genus mainly distributed in tropical regions.
• Fabronia pusilla has been found in Montana, United States.
• Fabronia australis is found in Victoria, Australia.
• A moss flora study was conducted in Iraq.
• New provincial distribution records have been identified in South Africa.

Morphological Characteristics

• Fabronia pusilla are very small pleurocarps with elongate, thin-walled cells and with leaf margins dentate to ciliate.
• Fabronia pilifera is a tiny, greenish moss that grows in thin, flat mats. The stems are long, creeping, with short branches and crowded leaves.

Ecology and Interactions

• Epiphytic moss genera Fabronia ciliaris have been used to assess atmospheric deposition of heavy metals.

Further Information

• USDA Plants Database
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Tropicos
• Library and Archives Canada