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plagiothecium moss

Scientific Name: Plagiothecium laetum

Family: Plagiotheciaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Plagiothecium Moss

Plagiothecium is a genus of mosses. Several species within this genus are referred to as "plagiothecium moss" followed by a descriptive term, or sometimes as "silk-moss".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Plagiothecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Family: Plagiotheciaceae
  • Synonyms and Related Names:
    • Buckiella undulata (for Plagiothecium undulatum)

Common Names

  • Alpine Silk-moss
  • Flat Moss
  • Juicy Silk-moss (Plagiothecium succulentum)
  • Snake Moss
  • Tongue Moss
  • Toothed Plagiothecium Moss (Plagiothecium denticulatum)
  • Undulate Plagiothecium Moss (Plagiothecium undulatum)
  • Waved Silk-moss (Plagiothecium undulatum)
  • Wavy-leaved Cotton Moss (Plagiothecium undulatum)
  • Wavy-leaf Moss (Plagiothecium undulatum)
  • Woodsy Silk-moss (Plagiothecium nemorale)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Plagiothecium species can be found in various locations, including Delaware, Hocking County, Ohio, and the Columbia River Gorge.
  • They often grow in damp, darker areas on rocks, along shale streambanks, in open wooded wet spots, and on soil in swampy areas.
  • Some species are native, while others may be introduced to certain regions.
  • Plagiothecium mosses are found in the islands of the Outer Hebrides in Scotland, typically in acidic conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plagiothecium undulatum is described as a large and conspicuous moss with pale green, sparsely branched shoots, several centimeters long and commonly 5 to 6 mm wide, that are more or less flattened.
  • The leaves of some species are translucent and about 3mm long.
  • Some species can form prostrate, ribbon-like mats.

Ecological Role

  • Some research involves transplanting Plagiothecium denticulatum to study the effects of soil contamination.
  • It is mentioned as co-occurring with other moss species like Hypnum jutlandicum and Sphagnum capillifolium.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Plagiothecium cavifolium can be found growing with Atrichum angustatum.
  • Plagiothecium latebricola leaves may show brood bodies clustered at the tip.

Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
  • NatureServe Explorer
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Dave's Garden community