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leptodon moss
Scientific Name: Leptodon
Family: Leptodontaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Prince-of-Wales Feather-moss (Leptodon smithii)
Leptodon smithii, commonly known as Prince-of-Wales Feather-moss or Smith's leptodon moss, is a distinctive moss species known for its dark green branches when moist. This moss has been the subject of various studies, including those examining its molecular biodiversity and trace element content in relation to habitat disturbance.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Leptodon smithii (Hedw.) F. Weber & D. Mohr
- Family: Neckeraceae (mentioned in connection to molecular biodiversity studies)
- Synonyms: The text does not explicitly list synonyms, but it references various naming authorities and historical classifications.
- Taxonomic Rank: Species
Distribution and Habitat
- L. smithii is a pleurocarpous, facultative epiphytic moss found on tree bark in humid and close woods.
- It is considered rather common on almost all continents, according to Nelson (1973).
- Specific locations mentioned include Italy, Northern England, English Midlands, East Anglia, Wales, southeast England, central southern England, and southwest England.
Ecological Role
- Leptodon smithii is an epiphytic moss, frequently found growing on the bark of Quercus ilex (holm oak).
- Studies have used it as a bioindicator, examining its trace element content to assess human disturbance in urban and remote areas. It has also been studied to measure the effect of habitat fragmentation.
Morphological Characteristics
- The moss is characterized by dark green branches that can grow up to approximately 2.5 cm long when moist.
Genetic and Cytological Information
- Studies have analyzed genetic variation and structure in urban, extraurban, and remote populations of Leptodon smithii using molecular markers.
- Research has shown that moss gene diversity may increase from urban to remote areas.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It grows on the bark of trees such as Quercus ilex, particularly in humid woodlands.
- In Britain, it is listed as occuring on ash trees.
Quirky Facts
- Leptodon corsicus, a related species, was only recognized as a distinct moss species in 1981 and is the first endemic moss species from Corsica.
Resources and Further Information
- USDA is referenced as a source of information.
- British Bryological Society Checklist.
- data.vic.gov.au (Department of Environment, Land, Water) is listed for Species Habitat Distribution Models.