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rhytidium moss
Scientific Name: Rhytidium
Family: Rhytidiaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Rhytidium rugosum: An Overview
Rhytidium rugosum, commonly known as rhytidium moss or wrinkle-leaved feather-moss, is a fascinating moss species with a wide distribution in the Northern Hemisphere. This robust moss forms distinctive golden-brown patches and has been the subject of numerous ecological and genetic studies.
Common Names
- Rhytidium Moss
- Wrinkle-leaved Feather-moss
- Crumpled-leaf Moss
- Pipecleaner Moss
- Droop-branch Moss
- Beruffled Moss
- Golden Tundra-moss
- Golden Glade-moss
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Rhytidium rugosum (Hedw.) Kindb.
- Family: Rhytidiaceae (sometimes also classified under Hypnaceae)
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Rank: Species
- Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 16388
- Synonyms: The text mentions a close relationship to the genus Rhytidiadelphus.
Distribution and Habitat
- Widely distributed in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Found in California, with elevation variations.
- Observed in locations such as Bebo Grove, Fish Creek Park, Calgary, AB.
- Specific mention of Southern Scandinavian lowland populations and its post-glacial history in Scandinavia.
- Also reported from China, specifically the Hylocomiaceae region.
- Prefers well-drained, open turf.
Ecological Role
- Characteristic bryophyte in droughty longleaf pine habitats.
- The text alludes to its survival mechanisms under drought stress.
Morphological Characteristics
- Forms large, golden-brown patches.
- A robust pleurocarpous moss (meaning it has a branching growth form).
- Leaves are creased both longitudinally (plicate) and horizontally (rugose), giving it a wrinkled appearance.
- The text describes it as a "beautiful, large yellowish moss" and "somewhat irregularly branched."
Genetic and Cytological Information
- Genetic diversity and phylogeography have been studied, especially in relation to post-glacial survival and potential migration routes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Studies have investigated the effects of nitrogen additions on its biomass and nutrient pools in boreal forests in Northeast China.
Further Information
- British Bryological Society Checklists.
- California Moss eFlora.
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System).
- USDA (United States Department of Agriculture).
- Biodiversity Heritage Library.
- ABMI species summary (Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute).