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black papillaria moss

Scientific Name: Papillaria nigrescens

Family: Meteoriaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Black Papillaria Moss (Papillaria nigrescens)

Black Papillaria Moss, scientifically known as Papillaria nigrescens, is a fascinating nonvascular plant belonging to the moss family.

Considerations for Pets

  • As a moss, Black Papillaria Moss is often found in moist environments, which could be attractive to pets.
  • Mosses, in general, can sometimes harbor small insects or other invertebrates.

Considerations for Children

  • Black Papillaria Moss is often found in moist environments, which could be attractive to children.
  • Mosses, in general, can sometimes harbor small insects or other invertebrates.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Papillaria nigrescens (Hedw.) A. Jaeger
  • Common Name: Black Papillaria Moss
  • Family: Meteoriaceae
  • Genus: Papillaria
  • Synonyms:
    • Papillaria nigrescens (Hedw.) A. Jaeger var. donnellii Austin
    • Trachypus nigrescens (Hedw.) Mitt.
    • Tricholepis nigrescens (Hedw.)
    • Meteorium nigrescens
  • Alternative scientific name: Papillaria nigrescens (Sw. ex Hedw.) Dozy & Molk.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Black Papillaria Moss can be found in various locations, including:
    • Australia (including Australian rainforests)
    • New Caledonia
    • New Zealand
    • Antarctica
    • Bolivia
    • Colombia
  • It often grows as an epiphyte in moist forests.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Black Papillaria Moss is a trailing moss that can form extensive curtains of strands.
  • The stems of many genera in the Meteoriaceae family often have an intense black coloration.

Ecological Role and Interactions

  • Papillaria crocea can be found growing with black-winged petrels.
  • It may be used as nesting material by birds.
  • Recommended for use with Preen Weed Control Landscape Fabric & Preen Landscape Weed Control Fabric.

Quirky Facts

  • Black Papillaria Moss has been used for packing fragile objects.
  • In Maori culture, it has been used in making cloaks, with alternating brown and black strands serving as decoration.

Further Information

  • Garden Guides: Learn more about Black Papillaria Moss and gardening.
  • ZipcodeZoo: Find information on Papillaria crocea.
  • The Plant List: Information about names for this taxon.
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Information about Papillaria nigrescens (Sw. ex Hedw.) Dozy & Molk.
  • Australian New Crops Web Site: Information on Black Papillaria Moss from Australia.