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plagiothecium moss
Scientific Name: Plagiothecium
Family: Plagiotheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Plagiothecium Mosses
The genus Plagiothecium encompasses a diverse group of mosses, often referred to as silk-mosses due to their appearance. These mosses are found in various habitats and exhibit a range of morphological characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Plagiothecium mosses, like Plagiothecium latebricola, are very slender.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Plagiothecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
- Family: Plagiotheciaceae
- Rank: Genus
- Examples of Species and Varieties:
- Plagiothecium undulatum (Hedw.) Schimp. in B.S.G.
- Plagiothecium latebricola
- Plagiothecium denticulatum var. obtusifolium
- Plagiothecium berggrenianum Frisvoll
- Plagiothecium laetum Schimp.
- Plagiothecium piliferum
- Plagiothecium cavifolium
- Plagiothecium succulentum
- Plagiothecium nemorale
- Plagiothecium curvifolium
- Synonyms: Buckiella undulata (for Plagiothecium undulatum)
Common Names
- Undulate Plagiothecium Moss
- Waved Silk-moss
- Alder Silk-moss
- Donnian Silk-moss
- Flat Moss
- Wavy-leaved Cotton Moss
- Snake Moss
- Tongue Moss
- Alpine Silk-moss
- Toothed Plagiothecium Moss
- Pressed Silk-moss
- Berggren’s Plagiothecium Moss
- Dented Silk-moss
- Curved Silk-moss
- Juicy Silk-moss
- Round Silk-moss
Distribution and Habitat
- Plagiothecium mosses are found in various regions, including Britain, Ireland, and tropical Africa.
- They often grow in damp, darker areas, such as on rocks on the sides of cloughs (narrow valleys).
- Some species are found at the base of trees in mist zones, such as Plagiothecium undulatum at Wahclella Falls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Morphological Characteristics
- Plagiothecium mosses vary in size and form, with some species being large and conspicuous, while others are slender.
- Shoots can be sparsely branched and arranged more or less in one plane.
- Leaves can be translucent and up to 3mm long.
- Some species, like Plagiothecium undulatum, have pale green, sparsely branched shoots that are several centimeters long (commonly 5 to 6 mm wide) and more or less flattened.
Ecological Role
- Some *Plagiothecium* mosses such as Plagiothecium denticulatum are used in studies examining the effects of soil contamination.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Plagiothecium cavifolium can be found growing with *Atrichum angustatum*.
Further Information
- USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
- NatureServe Explorer
- Encyclopedia of Life