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atrichum moss

Scientific Name: Atrichum tenellum

Family: Polytrichaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Atrichum: The Star Moss

The genus Atrichum, commonly known as Star Moss or Smoothcap Moss, encompasses a variety of moss species recognized for their compact growth patterns and soil-holding capabilities.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Atrichum P. Beauv.
  • Common Names: Star Moss, Smoothcap Moss
  • Family: Polytrichaceae

Synonyms and related species mentioned include:

  • Atrichum angustatum (Brid.) Bruch & Schimp. (Lesser Smoothcap)
  • Atrichum angustatum var. plurilamellatum (Jenn.) Bruch & Schimp.
  • Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv. (Common Smoothcap Moss, Undulate Atrichum Moss)
  • Atrichum selwynii Aust. (Selwyn's Atrichum Moss, Crane's-bill Moss)
  • Atrichum altecristatum
  • Atrichum rosulatum (Synonym for Atrichum selwynii)
  • Atrichum tenellum
  • Atrichum cylindricum (sometimes considered a variety of Atrichum undulatum)
  • Atrichum crispulum
  • Atrichum papillosum

Distribution and Habitat

Atrichum mosses are widespread, found in various locations including:

  • Most moist, low to medium elevation areas
  • Soil banks and exposed mineral soil
  • Woodlands (e.g., Delaware County, Ohio)
  • Europe (Atrichum undulatum)
  • Antarctica, Austria, India (Atrichum undulatum)

Morphological Characteristics

  • Forms patches of single, unbranched and upright shoots.
  • Leaves are typically narrow and pointed, up to 1cm long in some species.
  • Leaves may have toothed edges.
  • Some species, like Atrichum undulatum, have transversely undulate leaves.
  • Forms lush, dark green cushions on the ground at the base of large trees.

Dioicous Nature of Atrichum angustatum

  • Atrichum angustatum is a dioicous moss, indicating a strong segregation of sexes within its populations.

Further Information

  • USDA PLANTS Database: Mentions a map for Atrichum papillosum.
  • GBIF: Provides information on Atrichum tenellum.
  • BBS Field Guide: Contains information on Atrichum undulatum.
  • Wikimedia Commons: Features images of Atrichum angustatum.