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Ptychomitrium Moss: A Detailed Overview

The genus Ptychomitrium encompasses a group of mosses with interesting characteristics and a wide distribution. This overview compiles information from various sources to provide a comprehensive look at this fascinating plant group.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

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

Several species within the Ptychomitrium genus are mentioned, including:

• Ptychomitrium gardneri Lesq. (Gardner's Ptychomitrium Moss)
• Ptychomitrium incurvum (Incurved Grizzled Moss)
• Ptychomitrium serratum (C. Müll. Hal. ex Schimp.) Besch. (Serrate Ptychomitrium Moss) - synonym: Glyphomitrium serratum
• Ptychomitrium sinense Leiberg's Ptychomitrium Moss
• Ptychomitrium drummondii (Wils.) Sull. (Drummond's Ptychomitrium Moss) - Full Name: Ptychomitrium drummondii Sullivant & Lesquereux, 1856
• Ptychomitrium polyphyllum (Long shanked pincushion moss)
• Ptychomitrium yulongshanum Cao & Guo
• Ptychomitrium fauriei (Besch.) Broth., Nat. Pflanzenfam. I (3): 44. 1902. - synonym: Ptychomitrium brevisetum Dix. ex Sak., Bot. Mag. Tokyo 53: 248. 1939.
• Ptychomitrium leibergii Best (Leiberg's ptychomitrium moss)
• Ptychomitrium dentatum (Mitt.) Jaeg.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Ptychomitrium genus comprises 40–50 species distributed mostly in temperate regions.
• Ptychomitrium serratum is native to Mexico, western Texas, and southern New Mexico.
• Ptychomitrium sinense is described as an arid lower elevation moss.
• Ptychomitrium yulongshanum was discovered in Yunnan province, southwestern China.
• Ptychomitrium polyphyllum has been found in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland.
• Ptychomitrium incurvum grows in small blackish-green tufts in crevices on dry rocks.

Morphological Characteristics

• Ptychomitrium mosses are generally acrocarpous (having the archegonia and subsequently the sporophyte at the tip of a stem or branch).
• Plants range from small to robust, with colors ranging from green to yellowish-green above and brown or black below, growing 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 usually has sporophytes, and the polysetous condition is typically obvious.

Ecological Role and Conservation

• The Incurved Grizzled Moss (Ptychomitrium incurvum) is under management for recovery in Canada.
• The Montana Natural Heritage Program has identified Ptychomitrium gardneri as a species of concern.
• The 2008 Rare Plant Status List for New York State includes Ptychomitrium drummondii.

Genetic Information

• Research has focused on developing microsatellite markers for Ptychomitrium gardneri.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Experiments have been conducted on the moss Ptychomitrium to explore the search for life under very high pressure, similar to experiments done on tardigrades (small animals).

Further Information

• Flora of North America Editorial Committee.
• Australian New Crops Web Site.
• United States Department of Agriculture.
• Encyclopedia of Life.
• Montana Natural Heritage Program.