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Atrichum undulatum: Unveiling the Secrets of Undulate Atrichum Moss

Delve into the fascinating world of Atrichum undulatum, commonly known as Undulate Atrichum Moss, Common Smoothcap, or Catherine's Moss. This nonvascular plant, belonging to the genus Atrichum, displays distinctive features and ecological significance.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P. Beauv.
• Family: Polytrichaceae
• Synonyms: Catharinea undulata (Hedw.) Weber & D. Mohr, Atrichum rosulatum, Atrichum undulatum var. selwynii
• Variety: Atrichum undulatum var. perstedianum (Cm) Crum., Atrichum undulatum var. attenuatum

Distribution and Habitat

Atrichum undulatum boasts a wide distribution, found in various regions including Antarctica, Austria, Belarus, and Michigan (Cheboygan County). It is a common moss found on soil banks and other areas of exposed soil, particularly in woodland environments, and is pre-eminent in Japanese gardens.

Morphological Characteristics

• Leaves are undulate, even when moist, giving the moss its wavy appearance. They are oblong-lanceolate or narrowly ligulate, concave, and typically range from 4.5 to 9.5 mm in length.
• The leaf margins have paired teeth and are distinctly undulate when moist but become crisped when dry.
• The limbidium (leaf border) is strongly developed.
• A central ridge of tissue runs along the leaf, and edges are toothed.
• Distinct rows of lamellae (photosynthetic cells) are present.

Quirky Facts

• The name "Atrichum" refers to the lack of long hairs covering the calyptra, distinguishing it from other mosses.

Further Information

Explore more about Atrichum undulatum through resources such as:

• USDA PLANTS database
• Project Noah
• Wikimedia Commons
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Tropicos
• MO Bryo
• SNR
• www.biolib.de