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schistostega moss
Scientific Name: Schistostega
Family: Schistostegaceae
Category: Moss
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Schistostega pennata: The Luminous Moss
Schistostega pennata, commonly known as goblin gold, luminous moss, or luminescent moss, is a unique moss celebrated for its distinctive glowing appearance in dark environments.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- This moss is very small (4-7 mm high).
- It has flattened, translucent leaves.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Schistostega pennata (Hedw.) F. Weber & D. Mohr
- Synonym: Schistostega osmundacea (Dicks.), Mohr.
- Common Names: Goblin gold, luminous moss, luminescent moss, Elfin-gold
- Kingdom: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be Plantae.
- Subclass: Bryidae
- Order: Schistostegiales
- Family: Schistostegaceae
- Genus: Schistostega Mohr
Distribution and Habitat
- Schistostega pennata has a widespread, circumboreal distribution but is generally considered rare.
- It occurs on mineral soil in shaded pockets.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Rausu, Japan (cave)
- Church Cave, Alderley Edge, England
- Northern Scotland, southern Scotland, northern England, English Midlands, East Anglia, Wales
- Oregon and northward
- Latvia
Morphological Characteristics
- This moss is very small, typically 4-7 mm high.
- It is flat with flattened, translucent leaves.
- Its protonema has a specific structure that makes it luminous.
- Each moss plant consists of an erect stalk to which primitive "leaves" are attached.
Quirky Facts
- Fragments of Schistostega pennata have been found stuffed into the socket of a late Bronze Age spearhead in Aylsham, Norfolk.
Additional Information
- Information on Schistostega pennata can be found in the Encyclopedia of Life.