SafePlants

Small Limestone Mosses: A Study in Miniature

This page explores the fascinating world of small limestone mosses, a group of bryophytes often found in specialized habitats. These diminutive plants play a crucial role in their ecosystems, particularly in areas with calcareous substrates.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions mosses growing on limestone rocks and walls, which could potentially be accessible to pets or children.
• The size of these mosses is described as small, suggesting the potential for small parts to be dislodged or ingested.

Scientific Names and Common Names

• Several species of small limestone moss are mentioned:
  • Seligeria pusilla Bruch & W. P. Schimper in B. S. G., 1846
  • Seligeria acutifolia Lindberg in C. J. Hartman, 1864 (Acuteleaf Small Limestone Moss)
  • Seligeria donniana (Donn's Small Limestone Moss)
  • Seligeria tristichoides Kindb. (Small Limestone Moss)
  • Seligeria brevifolia (Shortleaf Small Limestone Moss)
• Other mosses like Zygodon gracilis (Nowell's limestone moss) and Orthotrichum mosses are also mentioned in the context of limestone habitats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Not specified in text, but implicitly Plantae
• Group: Moss (Bryophyte)
• Family: Seligeriaceae (for Seligeria species)
• Seligeria "Bruch & Schimp." is mentioned at the genus rank.
• Synonyms are provided for some species, and alternative scientific names can be found by following the "learn more about names for this taxon" link.

Distribution and Habitat

• These mosses are typically found on calcareous substrates, such as limestone.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Britain (small cave systems in limestone bluffs)
  • Yorkshire Dales
  • Arnside/Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
  • Pennsylvania (on limestone rocks in a creek)
  • Kelley's Island, Ohio in Lake Erie (limestone pavement)
  • Malham Cove, UK (limestone pavement)
• The Hale Moss depression is noted as a site with small cave systems in limestone.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• The mosses are described as "small."
• They are nonvascular plants.
• Some species lack hair points, which can cause confusion with Orthotrichum mosses.
• They can form mats in limestone pastures.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Lichens and algae often coexist with these mosses on limestone surfaces.
• Heather is mentioned alongside moss on limestone.
• The text mentions that some small spiders could live on these moss covered rocks.

Further Information

• AusMoss is listed as a data source.
• LSID, JSON, WMS, and RDF data links are provided for Seligeria.
• Norfolk Antiques and Reclamation Centre is mentioned as a place of reference.