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Tetraphis pellucida: Pellucid F-Tooth Moss

Tetraphis pellucida, commonly known as pellucid f-tooth moss or simply tetraphis moss, is a fascinating species belonging to the genus Tetraphis.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Tetraphis pellucida Hedw.
• Common Names: Pellucid f-tooth moss, Tetraphis moss, Common f-toothed moss
• Family: Tetraphidaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied - Plantae, as it's a moss)
• Taxonomic Status: Accepted
• Synonyms/Related Names: Tetraphis pellucida (L.) Hedw.

Distribution and Habitat

• Tetraphis pellucida is found in the Northern Hemisphere.
• It commonly inhabits decaying wood, particularly coniferous wood.
• In California, it's almost exclusively found on logs and stumps, primarily in the northwestern part of the state.
• Specific location: Czech Republic, nPP D?evohostick les

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Forms short (up to 1.5 cm), upright tufts or loose, wide patches.
• Composed of slender, delicate, individual shoots.
• Moist patches appear yellow-green in color.
• Grows in small clumps.
• Often found on stumps or sandstone rocks.

Quirky Facts

• The name Tetraphis refers to its large peristome teeth, a feature found on the sporophyte (spore-bearing structure).

Genetic and Cytological Information

• Studies have focused on the organellar genomes of Tetraphis pellucida, including the chloroplast genome.
• Research explores gene content and polymorphism within the species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• May compete for space with other mosses like Dicranum flagellare on decaying logs, evidenced by gemmae cups.

Further Information

• Taxonomic information is available via the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) with Taxonomic Serial No.: 15791.
• Tropicos database.
• Herbarium specimens are held in collections such as the Hamilton Collection of Mosses.