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Aongstroemia longipes

Aongstroemia longipes, commonly known as Sprig-moss or aongstroemia moss, is a small moss species belonging to the family Dicranaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aongstroemia longipes (Somm.) Bruch &amp Schimp.
• Family: Dicranaceae
• Class: Bryopsida
• Order: Dicranales
• Genus: Aongstroemia Bruch &amp Schimp. in B.S.G.
• Synonyms: Anomobryum uncinifolium, Aongstroemia uncinifolia (Note: Further details may be available in Allen, B. 1994. Moss Flora of Central America. Part 1.)
• Taxon Version Key: NHMSYS0000309368

Distribution and Habitat

• Aongstroemia longipes has been found in various regions, including Norway (Austerdalsisen), Russia (including Chuckotka), Australia, the United States, and Iceland.
• It is known to colonize sediments and can be found in depressions where water ponds during heavy rain.
• One recording includes the Uirige dam, near Ben Lawers, Perthshire.
• Other Aongstroemia species such as Aongstroemia julacea have been recorded at very high altitudes (19,800 feet a.s.l.).

Morphological Characteristics

• This is a small moss, typically forming lax, pale green tufts or open patches.
• The plants are slender and erect, with a yellowish-green color.
• Stems are julaceous (smooth and cylindrical).
• Size is approximately 5 mm.

Ecology

• Aongstroemia longipes is described as an environmentally-sensitive colonizer of sediments.
• It can be part of the initial stages of colonization, and may take three years to establish.

Further Information

• Further information can be found in the Moss Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 1.
• Consult databases such as TROPICOS for additional information.

Quirky Facts

• The genus Aongstroemia is named in honor of a taxonomist, although the text does not explicitly name this individual.