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forsstroemia moss

Scientific Name: Forsstroemia producta

Family: Leptodontaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Forsstroemia Moss (Forsstroemia spp.)

Forsstroemia, commonly known as Forsstroemia Moss, encompasses several species of nonvascular plants (mosses). These mosses are often found forming luxurious mats, particularly in moist forest environments.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Genus: Forsstroemia Lindb.
  • Family: Leptodontaceae (sometimes classified under Neckeraceae or Cryphaeaceae)
  • Species Examples:
    • Forsstroemia trichomitria (Hedw.) Lindb.
    • Forsstroemia producta (Hornsch.) Par.
    • Forsstroemia stricta
    • Forsstroemia thomsonii
    • Forsstroemia ohioense (Sull.) Lindb.
    • Forsstroemia sinensis (Besch.) Par.
  • Synonyms: Forsstroemia trichomitria var. floridana (Lindb.) Sull.
  • Symbol: FORSS, FOPR (for Forsstroemia Producta)

Distribution and Habitat

Forsstroemia trichomitria, also known as Fan Moss, is found in locations such as Garrett County, Maryland, and Floracliff. It is an epiphytic moss that often grows on hardwood trunks in moist forests. Some species are distributed in southeast Asia and China.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Nonvascular plant (moss)
  • Forms mats
  • Secondary stems and branches are slender and attenuate or flagelliform.
  • Leaves can have filiform and twisted leaf-apex

Ecology and Interactions

  • Epiphytic, meaning it grows on other plants, particularly hardwood trees, without harming them.
  • The text mentions a Tardigrade (water bear) observed on Forsstroemia trichomitria.

Quirky Facts

  • Forsstroemia trichomitria is sometimes called "hair-flip" moss.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Tropicos
  • Ohio Moss and Lichen Association (ohiomosslichen.org)
  • Discover Life
  • Moss Flora of China