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andreaea moss

Scientific Name: Andreaea alpestris

Family: Andreaeaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Andreaea: The Granite Mosses

Andreaea is a fascinating genus of mosses, sometimes referred to as "granite mosses" or "lantern mosses." They exhibit unique characteristics that distinguish them from other mosses.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Andreaea Hedw.
  • Class: Andreaeidae
  • Family: Andreaeaceae
  • Order: Andreaeales
  • Synonyms/Related Taxa: Andreaea alpestris, Andreaea heinemannii (Heinemann's Andreaea Moss), Andreaea mutabilis, Andreaea nivalis (Snow Rock-moss), Andreaea obovata (Obovate Andreaea Moss), Andreaea petrophila Ehrh. (modern name: Andreaea rupestris), Andreaea regularis, Andreaea rigida, Andreaea rothii (Hunt's Rock-moss), Andreaea schofieldiana (Schofield's andreaea moss)
  • Subordinate Taxa: Variety, Andreaea megistospora var. epapillosa (B. Murr.) Crum & Anderson. And Andreaea rupestris Hedw. var. rupestris.

Common Names

  • Andreaea Moss
  • Black Rock-moss
  • Icy Rock-moss (Andreaea frigida)
  • Blytt's Andreaea Moss (Andreaea blyttii)
  • Broad-leaved lantern moss (Andreaea schofieldiana)
  • Schofield's black moss (Andreaea schofieldiana)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Andreaea species are often found abundantly on the surface of rocks.
  • Andreaea frigida (Icy Rock-moss) is endemic to Europe and found in mountainous regions, including Austria, the Czech Republic, and France.
  • Some species are found in Scandinavia, such as Sweden and Norway.
  • Some species are found in Antarctic.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Plants can be blackish green to black, or reddish brown to dark brown.
  • They typically grow up to 2 cm high in dense tufts, but Andreaea rupestris can reach stems up to 3 cm, though usually shorter.

Ecological Role

  • Some species grow on granite rocks.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Studies suggest UV-B radiation influences the pigmentation of some Antarctic Andreaea species.

Quirky Facts

  • Andreaea species are unique among mosses because they lack a seta (stalk). Capsules protrude just above the surrounding moss.
  • Spore size and morphology are very important in Andreaea classification.