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cylindrical atrichum moss

Scientific Name: Atrichum cylindricum

Family: Polytrichaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Atrichum: An In-Depth Look

Atrichum, commonly known as Star Moss, encompasses a variety of moss species found worldwide. This genus belongs to the Polytrichaceae family and includes species like Atrichum undulatum (Common Smoothcap/Catherine's Moss) and Atrichum cylindricum (Cylindrical Atrichum Moss).

Considerations for Pets

  • Atrichum species are often found holding soil in place, which can be of interest to pets that dig.

Considerations for Children

  • The sporophytes of some Atrichum species have deep maroon, cylindrical-shaped capsules.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Family: Polytrichaceae
  • Genus: Atrichum P. Beauv.
  • Species: Examples include Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. and Atrichum cylindricum (Willd.) G.L. Sm.
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Several varieties and forms exist, such as Atrichum undulatum var. attenuatum Bruch & Schimp.

Common Names

  • Star Moss (general common name for Atrichum)
  • Common Smoothcap/Catherine's Moss (for Atrichum undulatum)
  • Cylindrical Atrichum Moss (for Atrichum cylindricum)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Atrichum mosses are widely distributed, including regions in the United States, Austria, Belgium, and Australia.
  • They are commonly found on soil banks and other areas of exposed soil.
  • Atrichum undulatum is common on heaths and in woods.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Atrichum mosses often form lax patches.
  • The "leaves" can be undulated, with blunt apexes.
  • Capsules are cylindrical, often with a lid and beak. For example, the cylindrical capsule of Atrichum cylindricum is 3-4 mm long, with a lid and beak of similar length. The capsule of Atrichum undulatum is curved and has a long beak.
  • Sporophytes have shiny, deep maroon, cylindrical-shaped capsules.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mention of unidentified Atrichum and Hypnum mosses occurring together.
  • Association with fungi like Phaeolus schweinitzii.

Further Information

  • Flora of North America
  • Tropicos
  • MO Bryo
  • SNR
  • United States Department of Agriculture
  • Australian New Crops Web Site
  • Wikispecies