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Tetraphis pellucida: Pellucid F-Tooth Moss

Tetraphis pellucida, commonly known as pellucid f-tooth moss or tetraphis moss, is a fascinating moss species belonging to the genus Tetraphis. Its scientific name, Tetraphis pellucida Hedw., is widely accepted.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Tetraphis pellucida Hedw.
• Common Names: Pellucid f-tooth moss, Tetraphis moss, Common f-toothed moss.
• Family: Tetraphidaceae
• Group: Moss (Bryophyte)
• Synonyms: Some resources may simply refer to it as Tetraphis sp.

Distribution and Habitat

• Tetraphis pellucida is a Northern Hemisphere moss.
• It commonly inhabits decaying wood, particularly coniferous wood.
• In California, it is almost exclusively found on logs and stumps, primarily in the northwestern part of the state.
• It can also be found on sandstone rocks.
• Specimens have been documented in locations like Bowdown Woods and Wildmoor Heath in Berkshire, UK, and the Czech Republic.
• It has been observed in Sitka National Historical Park, Sitka, Alaska.

Morphological Characteristics

• This moss forms rather short (up to 1.5 cm), upright tufts or loose, wide patches.
• Individual shoots are slender and delicate.
• Moist patches appear yellow-green.
• It often has erect capsules with four large peristome teeth, although variations can occur.
• A distinctive feature is the presence of gemmae cups.

Quirky Facts

• The name Tetraphis refers to its large peristome teeth.
• In New Mexico, Tetraphis pellucida is considered a unique appearing moss that is not common.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Tetraphis pellucida can be found competing for space with other mosses like Dicranum flagellare on decaying logs.

Further Information

• Taxonomic information can be found using the Taxonomic Serial No.: 15791.
• Tropicos database provides information on Tetraphis within the context of China Moss.
• Arctos database contains specimen information for Tetraphis pellucida.