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heterocladium moss

Scientific Name: Heterocladium

Family: Pterigynandraceae

Category: Moss

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Heterocladium Mosses

The genus Heterocladium encompasses a variety of mosses, often referred to collectively as "Heterocladium Moss." This article provides information on several species within this genus.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Genus: Heterocladium Schimp. in B.S.G., 1852 (Bruch & W. P. Schimper)
  • Family: Thuidiaceae (mentioned in relation to China Moss and Encyclopedia of Life entries)
  • Class: Bryopsida (mentioned in relation to Heterocladium procurrens)

Some species and varieties include:

  • Heterocladium dimorphum (Brid.) Schimp. in B.S.G. (Common name: heterocladium moss)
  • Heterocladium heteropterum Bruch, Schimp. & W.Guembel (Common name: Wry-leaved Tamarisk-moss)
    • Heterocladium heteropterum var. heteropterum Bruch, Schimp. & W. Schimp. & W.Guembel (Common name: Wry-leaved Tamarisk-moss)
    • Heterocladium heteropterum var. flaccidum
  • Heterocladium macounii Best (Common name: Macoun's Heterocladium Moss)
  • Heterocladium procurrens (Mitt.) A. Jaeger (Common name: Tangle Moss)
    • Synonym: Heterocladium aberrans
  • Heterocladium heteropteroides Best
  • Heterocladium heteropteroides Best var. filescens Best
  • Heterocladium wulfsbergii I.Hagen

Distribution and Habitat

  • Heterocladium procurrens (Tangle Moss) can be found in wet coniferous forests and near swamps.
  • Heterocladium wulfsbergii is widely distributed in the British Isles.
  • Heterocladium heteropterum can be found on tiny weft-forming outcrops, and on sunnier rocks on stream banks.
  • The moss flora of Bering Island, the westernmost in the Aleutian Archipelago, includes Heterocladium species.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plants can grow to 6 cm long and form intricate, irregularly spreading mats.
  • Mosses in this genus have short double costae (midribs).
  • Leaf bases can be decurrent (extending down the stem).
  • Leaves are double-nerved.

Quirky Facts

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

Further Information

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