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ptychomitrium moss

Scientific Name: Ptychomitrium incurvum

Family: Ptychomitriaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Ptychomitrium Moss

The genus Ptychomitrium, commonly known as Ptychomitrium Moss, encompasses a group of mosses with notable characteristics and a wide distribution. This content provides an overview of their taxonomy, habitat, and other interesting features.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Ptychomitrium Frnr.
  • Family: Ptychomitriaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Synonyms or alternative scientific names mentioned include:

  • Glyphomitrium serratum

Common Names

  • Ptychomitrium Moss
  • Gardner's Ptychomitrium Moss (Ptychomitrium gardneri)
  • Drummond's Ptychomitrium Moss (Ptychomitrium drummondii)
  • Leiberg's Ptychomitrium Moss (Ptychomitrium leibergii)
  • Incurved Grizzled Moss (Ptychomitrium incurvum)
  • Serrate Ptychomitrium Moss (Ptychomitrium serratum)
  • Long shanked pincushion moss (Ptychomitrium polyphyllum)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Ptychomitrium species are distributed mostly in temperate regions.
  • Ptychomitrium serratum is native to Mexico, western Texas, and southern New Mexico.
  • Ptychomitrium yulongshanum was discovered in Yunnan province, southwestern China.
  • Ptychomitrium sinense is found in arid, lower-elevation environments.
  • Ptychomitrium incurvum grows in crevices on dry rocks.
  • Ptychomitrium polyphyllum can be found on granite moorland in the UK, specifically the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plants range from small to robust, with colors varying from green to yellowish-green above and brown to black below.
  • They grow in loose or dense tufts.
  • Ptychomitrium sinense has lanceolate leaves with cells that are not papillose, bulging, or prorate.
  • Ptychomitrium incurvum grows in small blackish-green tufts.
  • Ptychomitrium incurvum has glossy crisped or sometimes circinate leaves.

Reproduction and Spores

  • Ptychomitrium mosses commonly produce spores, which are their primary means of reproduction.
  • Spores of Ptychomitrium have demonstrated the ability to germinate even after being subjected to very high pressure.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Experimentation on the moss Ptychomitrium has been done alongside the study of tardigrades under high pressure conditions.

Further Information

  • Flora of North America Editorial Committee
  • Montana Natural Heritage Program
  • Australian New Crops Web Site
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Bryophytes of BC
  • COSEWIC Assessment and Status Report