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Oersted's atrichum moss

Scientific Name: Atrichum oerstedianum

Family: Polytrichaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Oersted's Atrichum Moss (Atrichum oerstedianum)

Learn about Oersted's Atrichum Moss, a nonvascular plant with interesting distribution and taxonomic details.

Scientific Name & Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Atrichum oerstedianum (Mll. Hal.) Mitt.
  • Common Name: Oersted's Atrichum Moss
  • Other Names: Atrichum Moss

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Polytrichaceae
  • Kingdom: (Implied - Plantae)
  • Group: Moss
  • Synonyms:
    • Atrichum androgynum (Mll. Hal.) Nyholm
    • Atrichum androgynum var. oerstedianum (C. Mll.) Nyh.
    • Atrichum paraphyllium (Authority: ITIS)
  • Taxonomic Serial No.: 547550

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in the United States and Canada.
  • Also found in Antarctica and Sri Lanka (Lanka).
  • Distribution also includes Australia, growing on soil banks and other areas of exposed mineral soil in moist, low to medium elevation.
  • Observed in locations such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
  • Originally collected from Costa Rica in a mountainous region (regione montosa).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Nonvascular plant (moss or algae)
  • Compact growth patterns that help hold soil in place.
  • Tolerant of a variety of pH levels.

Ecological Role

  • Holds soil in place with its compact growth patterns.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Wikispecies
  • Permaculture Local Species database