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andreaea moss
Scientific Name: Andreaea megistospora
Family: Andreaeaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Andreaea: The Granite Moss
The genus Andreaea encompasses a fascinating group of mosses, often referred to as "granite mosses" due to their prevalence on rocky surfaces. These mosses exhibit unique characteristics that set them apart from other members of the Bryophyta division.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Andreaea species form dense tufts, potentially harboring small insects.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Andreaea Hedw.
- Common Names: Various species have common names such as Black Rock-moss, Icy Rock-moss, Broad-leaved lantern moss, Schofield's black moss, Schofield's andreaea moss, and Hunt's Rock-moss.
- Family: Andreaeaceae
- Class: Andreaeidae
- Order: Andreaeales
- Synonyms: Andreaea petrophila Ehrh. (modern name: Andreaea rupestris)
- Subordinate Taxa: Examples include Andreaea rupestris Hedw. var. rupestris and Andreaea megistospora var. epapillosa (B. Murr.) Crum & Anderson. Several subspecies have been named.
Distribution and Habitat
- Andreaea species are found globally, including:
- Mountainous regions in Europe (e.g., Austria, Czech Republic, France)
- Antarctica
- China
- Scandinavia (e.g., Sweden, Norway)
- Scottish Highlands
- These mosses often grow on the surface of rocks, particularly granite. Some species, like Andreaea nivalis (Snow rock-moss), are considered rare.
Morphological Characteristics
- Plants can be blackish green to black, or reddish brown to dark brown.
- They typically form dense tufts, reaching up to 2 cm in height, but sometimes shorter.
- A notable feature of Andreaea mosses is the absence of a seta (stalk) on the sporophyte. The capsules protrude just above the surrounding structures.
Ecological Role
- On rock surfaces, Andreaea species can be abundant.
- They can contribute to the formation of moss cushions on rocks.
- UV-B radiation influences the pigmentation of some Antarctic species, such as Andreaea regularis.
- Some species are autoicous.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Mentioned as a food source and habitat for mites in Alpine regions.
- UV-B radiation influences the pigmentation of the Antarctic moss Andreaea regularis.
Quirky Facts
- Andreaea species are the only mosses that have no seta.
- Spore size and morphology are considered very important in Andreaea.
Further Information
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS)