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heterocladium moss

Scientific Name: Heterocladium procurrens

Family: Pterigynandraceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Heterocladium Moss: A Detailed Overview

Heterocladium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Thuidiaceae. Several species within this genus are known by the common name "Heterocladium Moss" or specific variations such as "Tamarisk-moss".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Heterocladium Schimp. in B.S.G., 1852
  • Family: Thuidiaceae
  • Class: Bryopsida
  • Notable Species:
    • Heterocladium dimorphum (Brid.) Schimp. in B.S.G.
    • Heterocladium heteropterum Bruch, Schimp. & W. Guembel
    • Heterocladium macounii Best
    • Heterocladium procurrens (Mitt.) A. Jaeger
    • Heterocladium wulfsbergii I.Hagen
    • Synonyms for Heterocladium procurrens may include Heterocladium aberrans.

Common Names

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

Distribution and Habitat

  • Heterocladium wulfsbergii is known to be widely distributed in the British Isles.
  • Heterocladium procurrens (Tangle Moss) can be found in wet coniferous forests and near swamps.
  • Heterocladium heteropterum grows on outcrops, particularly on sunnier rocks near streams.
  • The moss flora of Bering Island includes Heterocladium species.
  • The floral region for Heterocladium is North.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plants can grow up to 6 cm long, forming intricate, irregularly spreading mats.
  • Mosses in this genus typically have short double costae (midribs).
  • Leaf bases may be decurrent (where the leaf blade extends down the stem) or not decurrent.
  • The leaves are double-nerved.

Quirky Facts

  • Heterocladium procurrens, also known as Tangle Moss, is sometimes called "glow moss" due to its incandescent yellow color.

Further Information

  • Tropicos
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes
  • Plants.usda.gov
  • Garden Guides
  • Azorean Biodiversity Portal (for Heterocladium wulfsbergii)