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abietinella moss

Scientific Name: Abietinella abietina

Family: Thuidiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Abietinella abietina: A Detailed Look at Abietinella Moss

Abietinella abietina, commonly known as abietinella moss, fir tamarisk-moss, or wiry fern moss, is a distinctive moss belonging to the Thuidiaceae family. This page offers a comprehensive overview of this fascinating plant, including its taxonomy, distribution, and key characteristics.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Abietinella abietina (Hedw.) Fleisch.
  • Common Names: Abietinella moss, Fir Tamarisk-moss, Wiry Fern Moss, Prickly Tamarisk-moss (for Abietinella abietina var. hystricosa)
  • Family: Thuidiaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Bryophyta (mosses)
  • Class: Bryopsida
  • Order: Hypnales
  • Synonyms: Hypnum abietinum, Thuidium abietinum
  • Taxonomic Serial Number (ITIS): 547520
  • Varieties: Abietinella abietina var. abietina, Abietinella abietina var. hystricosa (Mitt.) Sakurai

Morphological Characteristics

Abietinella abietina is described as a small, pleurocarpous moss with erect stems and spreading branches, giving it a distinctive appearance. The variety Abietinella abietina var. hystricosa, known as Prickly Tamarisk-moss, has green or dark brown shoots.

This moss is wiry and can be relatively coarse. It exhibits loosely one-pinnate branching.

Distribution and Habitat

Abietinella abietina is found in various locations, as indicated by distributional maps and checklist records. It is an uncommon plant of basic rocks, banks, and ledges. This moss favors xeric and calcareous habitats.

Ecological Role

This moss is able to accumulate heavy metals and can be used to estimate atmospheric deposition.

Quirky Facts

  • Abietinella abietina has demonstrated antimicrobial and antifungal effects in some studies.

Further Information

  • Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)
  • APHOTOFLORA - Photographic Stock Library
  • Tropicos