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schistostega moss
Scientific Name: Schistostega pennata
Family: Schistostegaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names: MN (luminous moss)
Schistostega pennata: The Luminous Moss
Schistostega pennata, commonly known as goblin gold, luminous moss, or luminescent moss, is a fascinating moss species notable for its light-reflecting properties, giving it a glowing appearance in dark environments.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Schistostega pennata (Hedw.) F. Weber & D. Mohr
- Family: Schistostegaceae
- Subclass: Bryidae
- Order: Schistostegiales
- Synonyms: Schistostega osmundacea (Dicks.), Mohr; Gymnostomum pennatum Hedw.
Distribution and Habitat
Schistostega pennata has a circumboreal distribution but is considered rare. It can be found in:
- Humid forests
- Oregon and northward
- Northern Scotland
- Southern Scotland
- Northern England
- English Midlands
- East Anglia
- Wales
- Latvia (Baltic countries)
It typically grows on mineral soil in shaded pockets, such as caves, rabbit burrows, and other dark, sheltered locations.
Morphological Characteristics
- The moss is small, typically 4-7 mm high.
- The plant consists of an erect stalk with flattened, translucent "leaves."
- Its protonema has a specific structure that allows it to reflect light, creating a luminous effect.
Quirky Facts
- Fragments of Schistostega pennata have been found stuffed into a late Bronze Age spear head in Aylsham, Norfolk, suggesting historical awareness or use of the moss.
- The luminous appearance is due to its protonema which reflects light. It's also referred to as "Goblin lights" because of the glowing effect.
Further Information
For more information about Schistostega pennata, consult the Encyclopedia of Life, British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes, and ABMI species summary for Schistostega pennata.