SafePlants

Papillaria Mosses

Papillaria is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Meteoriaceae. Several species within this genus are known by the common name "papillaria moss," often with a descriptive prefix (e.g., black papillaria moss).

Considerations for Pets

• Some Papillaria mosses are used for packing fragile objects, indicating absorptive properties which, while potentially useful, might pose a choking hazard if ingested by pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature:

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Division: Bryophyta
• Family: Meteoriaceae
• Synonyms: Mentions of Papillaria nigrescens (Hedw.) A. Jaeger var. donnellii Austin, Trachypus nigrescens (Hedw.) Mitt., and Tricholepis nigrescens (Hedw.) are given as synonyms for some species, particularly black papillaria moss.

Distribution and Habitat:

• Papillaria mosses are found in various regions, including:
  • Australia (e.g., Antarctic Beech forests in Main Range National Park, D'Aguilar National Park)
  • Asia (e.g., Mainland China, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam)
  • New Guinea
  • Pacific Islands
  • Yemen
• They are often epiphytes, growing on other plants in moist forests and cool temperate rainforests.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits:

• Papillaria mosses can exhibit a "rope-like" structure.
• Some species, such as Papillaria flavolimbata, can form extensive curtains hanging from branches.

Ecological Role

• They can be found growing on tree branches in rainforests.
• Are found to be growing on Chinese Elm Trees.

Interactions with other organisms

• Red-breasted nuthatches have been known to use the moss to build nests.

Further Information

• Tropicos