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hylocomium feather moss

Scientific Name: Hylocomium

Family: Hylocomiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Hylocomium splendens: A Detailed Look

Hylocomium splendens, a fascinating moss species, is known by several common names including glittering woodmoss, splendid feather moss, stairstep moss, and mountain fern moss. Its elegant, feather-like fronds and unique branching structure make it a prominent member of various ecosystems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Hylocomium splendens (Hedw.) Schimp.
  • Family: Hylocomiaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms:
    • Hylocomium alaskanum
    • Hylocomium giganteum
    • Hylocomium proliferum
  • Symbol: HYLOC2

Distribution and Habitat

  • Hylocomium splendens has a wide distribution, ranging from Greenland to Alaska, and extending south to North Carolina. It's even found in Antarctica and Austria, and possibly France and Spain (though the text also mentions Hylocomium squarrosum in those locations).
  • It is commonly found in boreal forest ecosystems, subarctic tundra, and even dunes, where it thrives on humus-rich sand.
  • Specifically mentioned locations include Garrett County, Maryland, and Howard County, Maryland.

Ecological Role

  • Hylocomium splendens is a co-dominant moss species in boreal forest ecosystems.
  • It plays a significant role in global ecosystem carbon cycling and can act as an ecosystem capacitor.

Morphological Characteristics

  • This is a perennial clonal moss exhibiting a unique "stairstep" growth pattern, where new fronds grow out of the middle of the previous one, creating distinct layers.

Quirky Facts

  • The name Hylocomium means "woodland inhabitant," reflecting its preferred habitat. The term splendens references the species' striking appearance.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Hylocomium splendens is associated with coniferous canopies and is often found in spruce-dominated forests alongside bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus).
  • It is mentioned in the context of feather moss associations with coniferous canopies, hinting at interactions with trees.

Further Information

  • TSN 16375 refers to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) entry for this species.
  • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) is a resource for more information.
  • ResearchGate is mentioned in connection to studies on potassium transport in this moss.