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Rhytidium rugosum: An In-Depth Look at Wrinkle-leaved Feather-moss

Rhytidium rugosum, commonly known as wrinkle-leaved feather-moss or rhytidium moss, is a robust moss species with a fascinating distribution and ecological role.

Common and Scientific Names

• Scientific Name: Rhytidium rugosum (Hedw.) Kindb.
• Common Names: Rhytidium moss, Wrinkle-leaved Feather-moss, Crumpled-leaf moss, Pipecleaner moss, Droop-branch moss, Beruffled moss, Golden Glade-moss, Golden Tundra-moss
• Other Language Names: Buizerdmos (Dutch), Poimusammal (Finnish)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Family: Hypnaceae / Rhytidiaceae (Sources indicate both)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Rank: Species
• Taxon Version Key: NBNSYS0000036953

Distribution and Habitat

• Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Found in California, with elevation variations depending on latitude.
• Specific location mentioned: Bebo Grove, Fish Creek Park, Calgary AB (Photo location).
• Prefers well-drained, open turf and is often found in dry conditions.
• Can be found in sun-exposed areas and dunes.
• Also found in boreal forests.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A robust pleurocarpous moss.
• Forms large golden-brown patches.
• Southern Scandinavian lowland populations are large and irregularly branched.
• Leaves are creased both longitudinally (plicate) and horizontally (rugose).
• Always sterile and almost strongly reliant on asexual reproduction.

Genetic Information

• Genetic diversity and phylogeography have been studied to understand its post-glacial survival and migration routes.
• Genetic diversity of relict moss populations in Europe has been examined.

Ecological Role

• Characteristic bryophyte of droughty longleaf pine habitats.
• Can flourish in dunes.
• Studies have examined the effects of nitrogen additions on its biomass and nutrient pools in boreal forests.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Studies have been done of its drought tolerance.

Further Information

• Information available from the British Bryological Society.
• Taxonomic information can be found in the British Database of World Flora and Fauna.
• Data available on the Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas maps.
• Tropicos database is referenced.
• ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is a related reference.
• ABMI (Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute) provides species summaries.
• MyTreeDB Loader GIF is mentioned.
• Biodiversity Heritage Library is an external reference.