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andreaea moss
Scientific Name: Andreaea rupestris
Family: Andreaeaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Andreaea: The Granite Mosses
Andreaea, often referred to as granite moss or lantern moss, is a fascinating genus of moss with unique characteristics and a wide distribution. This group of mosses plays an important role in various ecosystems, particularly in mountainous and rocky environments.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Andreaea moss form dense tufts that can reach up to 2 cm in height.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Andreaea Hedw.
- Class: Andreaeidae
- Family: Andreaeaceae
- Order: Andreaeales
- Division: Bryophyta
- One variety mentioned is: Andreaea megistospora var. epapillosa (B. Murr.) Crum & Anderson
- Synonyms or alternative scientific names mentioned include Andreaea petrophila Ehrh. (modern name: Andreaea rupestris).
Common Names
- Black Rock-moss
- Icy Rock-moss (Andreaea frigida)
- Hunt's Rock-moss (Andreaea rothii)
- Blytt's Andreaea Moss (Andreaea blyttii)
- Broad-leaved lantern moss (Andreaea schofieldiana)
- Schofield's black moss (Andreaea schofieldiana)
- Schofield's andreaea moss (Andreaea schofieldiana)
- Heinemann's Andreaea Moss (Andreaea heinemannii)
- Alpine Rock-moss (Andreaea alpina)
Distribution and Habitat
- Andreaea species are found globally, including in Europe, Antarctica, and China.
- They are often abundant on the surface of rocks, particularly in mountainous regions.
- Specific locations mentioned include Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Scandinavia (Sweden and Norway), the Scottish Highlands (Loch Ewe), and Ulvedal Plantage, Karup, Jylland, Danmark.
- They can be found on north-facing rock faces.
Morphological Characteristics
- Plants can be blackish green to black, or reddish-brown to dark brown.
- They form dense tufts, typically up to 2 cm high.
- Andreaea species are the only mosses that lack a seta (stalk supporting the capsule). The capsules protrude just above the surrounding structures.
- Spore size and morphology are important in species identification.
Ecological Role
- Often referred to as "granite-mosses," they thrive on rocks.
- Some species, like Snow rock-moss (Andreaea nivalis), are rare.
- Of ecological significance, Andreaea is autoicous.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- UV-B radiation arising from stratospheric ozone depletion influences the pigmentation of Andreaea regularis.
Quirky Facts
- Andreaea species are unique among mosses because they lack a seta, the stalk typically supporting the capsule. Instead, the capsules protrude directly from the plant.
- Recent studies have emphasized the importance of spore size and morphology for identifying different Andreaea species.
Further Information
- Tropicos
- Integrated Taxonomic Information System