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Pennsylvania dung moss
Scientific Name: Splachnum pennsylvanicum
Family: Splachnaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Pennsylvania Dung Moss (Splachnum pennsylvanicum)
Also known as Pennsylvania dung moss, Splachnum pennsylvanicum is a fascinating, nonvascular plant belonging to the moss family.
Considerations for Pets
- While the text does not explicitly mention toxicity, it is worth noting that this moss often grows on dung.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Splachnum pennsylvanicum (Brid.) Grout ex H.A. Crum
- Common Name: Pennsylvania dung moss
- Synonym: Tetraplodon pennsylvanicum (Brid.) Sayre in Grout
- Family: Splachnaceae
- Group: Moss
Distribution and Habitat
- This moss has been reported in locations such as the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia and Lens Lake in Pennsylvania.
- It is often found in sphagnum bogs.
Ecological Role
- As the name suggests, this moss is a "dung moss," a group of mosses that have a unique association with animal excrement.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions that the moss family Splachnaceae is characterized by members that rely on flies for spore dispersal.
- It is also mentioned that ants disperse propagules of aulacomnium moss.
Quirky Facts
- The Pennsylvania Dung Moss has been found sprouting from otter poop.
- Despite the name, dung mosses are described as a fascinating group of species.
Resources
- Encyclopedia of Life