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heterocladium moss

Scientific Name: Heterocladium dimorphum

Family: Pterigynandraceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Heterocladium: Tamarisk-Moss and More

The genus Heterocladium encompasses a variety of mosses, often referred to collectively as "heterocladium moss." Several species and varieties exist, each with its own unique characteristics and distribution.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Heterocladium Schimp. in B.S.G. (1852)
  • Family: Thuidiaceae, Pterigynandraceae, Amblystegiaceae, Splachnaceae (based on differing classifications in the provided texts)
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Mentions redirecting from Heterocladium aberrans to Heterocladium procurrens.

Common Names

  • Heterocladium Moss (generic)
  • Wry-leaved Tamarisk-moss (Heterocladium heteropterum)
  • Slender Tamarisk-moss (Heterocladium heteropterum/flaccidum)
  • Tangle Moss (Heterocladium procurrens)
  • Macoun's Heterocladium Moss (Heterocladium macounii)
  • Dimorphous Tamarisk-moss (Heterocladium dimorphum)

Species and Varieties Mentioned

  • Heterocladium heteropterum Bruch, Schimp. &amp W.Guembel
  • Heterocladium heteropterum var. heteropterum
  • Heterocladium heteropterum/flaccidum
  • Heterocladium dimorphum (Brid.) Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Heterocladium procurrens (Mitt.) A. Jaeger (redirected from: Heterocladium aberrans)
  • Heterocladium macounii Best
  • Heterocladium wulfsbergii I. Hagen
  • Heterocladium flaccidum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Heterocladium species are found in various regions, including the British Isles, Europe, and North America.
  • Specific locations mentioned include SW Germany, Bering Island (Aleutian Archipelago), and New York State.
  • Habitats include wet coniferous forests, near swamps, and sunnier rocks along streams.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Short double costae (referring to the midrib of the leaves) are a characteristic of the mosses treated.
  • Leaf bases may be decurrent (Heterocladium).
  • Leaves are double-nerved (Heterocladium).

Ecological Role

  • It can form tiny wefts on rock outcrops.

Quirky Facts

  • Heterocladium procurrens (Tangle Moss) is sometimes called "glow moss" because of its incandescent yellow color.

Further Resources

  • Plants.usda.gov
  • Tropicos
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes
  • Azorean Biodiversity Portal
  • Moss Flora of North America