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leucobryum moss

Scientific Name: Leucobryum

Family: Leucobryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Leucobryum: Pincushion Moss

Leucobryum, commonly known as pincushion moss or white moss, is a genus of mosses forming distinctive cushion-like tufts.

Considerations for Pets

  • This moss forms dense mounds that can be deep to light green, white, grayish, or bluish-green depending on moisture content. These colorations and the cushion shape might be attractive to pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Leucobryum
  • Common Names: Pincushion Moss, White Moss, Cushion Moss, Large White-moss
  • Family: Leucobryaceae
  • Class: Bryopsida (True Mosses)
  • Order: Dicranales
  • Synonyms:
    • Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.) ngstr.
    • Leucobryum Hampe

Distribution and Habitat

  • Leucobryum can be found growing wild worldwide.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Sheepskin Hollow in Columbiana County, Ohio; Epping Forest, Essex, England; and Loista, Gotland, Sverige.
  • It is found on a variety of substrates.
  • It prefers sandy soil and shade but can tolerate partial sun.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Leucobryum mosses form small to large, erect, dense cushions, typically ranging from 0.5 to 20 cm high.
  • The moss can be white, grayish, or bluish-green.

Genetic Information

  • Leucobryum glaucum has a single set of chromosomes, making it haploid.

Ecological Role

  • In east Tennessee, sporocarps (spore-bearing structures) can be seen on the clump surface.
  • Some species of Leucobryum, such as Leucobryum albidum, can grow on the bark of pines.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • It can be found covering trees and boulders in rainforest environments.