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Octoblepharum albidum: Octoblepharum Moss

Octoblepharum albidum, commonly known as octoblepharum moss, is a nonvascular plant (a moss or algae) belonging to the genus Octoblepharum. This pantropical moss is relatively common in certain regions.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Octoblepharum albidum Hedw.
• Synonym: Octoblepharum albidum Hedwig, 1801
• Common Name: Octoblepharum Moss
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Genus: Octoblepharum Hedw.
• Family: Calymperaceae (sometimes placed in Leucobryaceae or Leucophanaceae)
• Taxonomic Serial Number: 16849

Distribution and Habitat

• Octoblepharum albidum is commonly found in tropical savannas, dry forests, rainforests, and coastal habitats.
• It has been observed in Antarctica, the Antilles, Argentina, and northern Australia (Western Australia and Northern Territory).
• It is often found on shaded trunks of palm trees in low moist forests along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains of Florida.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants are typically small, ranging from 5 to 10 mm in height.
• They exhibit a grayish green color, sometimes with a somewhat glossy appearance.
• They grow in loose or dense tufts and cushions.
• Can grow new plants at its vegetative propagules.

Ecological Role

• Octoblepharum albidum has been found to serve as a seeding medium for other plants.
• Gemmae of the moss may be consumed by spider mites.
• Is an epiphytic moss.

Reproduction

• Populations growing in very moist and shaded habitats can exhibit three kinds of asexual reproduction.
• Is autoicous.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Gemmae of the moss are eaten by spider mites.

Further Information

• Flora of North America (vol. 27)
• Moss Flora of Central America. Part 1. Sphagnaceae-Calymperaceae. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missi Bot. Gard. 49: 1-242.