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acaulon moss

Scientific Name: Acaulon muticum var. muticum

Family: Pottiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Acaulon muticum: The Rounded Pygmy-moss

Acaulon muticum, commonly known as Rounded Pygmy-moss or simply acaulon moss, is a small and often overlooked member of the moss family.

Considerations for Pets

  • This moss typically grows only 1-2 mm tall. Given its small size, it may be difficult to spot and prevent accidental ingestion by pets.

Considerations for Children

  • Given its small size, this moss may be difficult to spot and prevent accidental ingestion by children.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Acaulon muticum (Brid.) Muell.Hal.
  • Common Names: Rounded Pygmy-moss, acaulon moss
  • Family: Pottiaceae
  • Synonyms and related species:
    • Acaulon triquetrum (Spruce) C. Mll.
    • Acaulon muticum var. rufescens (A. Jaeger) H.A. Crum
    • Tortula acaulon (formerly Phascum cuspidatum)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Distribution and Habitat

  • Acaulon schimperianum, a related species formerly known only from North America, has been reported in China, marking a new record for East Asia.
  • Acaulon eremicola is described from arid central Australia.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Plants often appear brown.
  • They are typically 1-2 mm tall.
  • They appear to consist of a few concave upper leaves.
  • Tortula acaulon, a related species, forms green patches and has 3 mm leaves.

Other Notable Species

  • Acaulon eremicola: This species differs from A. muticum and A. integrifolium in the leaf with longer cells.
  • Acaulon integrifolium: A small (~1-2mm high) bulbous ephemeral moss found in Tasmania.
  • Acaulon schimperianum: Also known as Schimper's Acaulon Moss.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The sporophyte foot is a key component in the junction between the sporophyte and gametophyte in Acaulon muticum.

Quirky Facts

  • The placement of Acaulon in the Pottiaceae family can be challenging because the median cells of the leaves are elongate hexagonal and smooth (in two species).

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: (http://plants.usda.gov)
  • Encyclopedia of Life (EOL): Search for Acaulon schimperianum and Acaulon muticum var. rufescens for additional information.
  • British Bryological Society Checklist of British and Irish Bryophytes.