SafePlants

Aulacomnium palustre (Bog Groove-Moss/Ribbed Bog Moss)

Aulacomnium palustre, commonly known as bog groove-moss or ribbed bog moss, is a moss species with a wide distribution. Other common names include tufted moss and glow moss.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions the presence of rhizoids (root-like structures) on the stem, which might be a consideration if pets ingest the moss.
• Aulacomnium androgynum produces gemmae, small structures that might detach and be ingested.

Considerations for Children

• The tufted growth habit of Aulacomnium palustre might make it appealing to children.
• Aulacomnium androgynum produces gemmae, small structures that might detach and be ingested.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aulacomnium palustre (Hedw.) Schwgr.
• Family: Aulacomniaceae
• Synonym: Aulacomnium palustre var. congestum Boul.
• Other scientific names: Mnium palustre

Distribution and Habitat

• Aulacomnium palustre exhibits a nearly cosmopolitan distribution.
• It is found in North America, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela.
• It has also been observed in Waldo, Marion County, Ohio and Broadford, Isle of Skye.
• It grows in moist habitats, including wet meadows and bogs.

Morphological Characteristics

• Aulacomnium palustre forms tufts ranging from 3 to 12 cm in height.
• The leaves are pale yellow-green.
• The stem is covered with ginger-brown, felt-like rhizoids.
• Plants erect in olive-green to brown wefts or cusions, to 10 cm high.
• Lower leaves are scalelike, loosely appressed and distant upper leaves oblong lanceolate.

Aulacomnium androgynum Characteristics

• Aulacomnium androgynum is a small acrocarpous moss.
• It forms small, pale, dull green tufts.
• Shoots are 3 to 4 mm tall.
• Many shoots terminate in an elongated stalk with a ball of gemmae at the top.

Genetic and Cytological Information

• Research has been conducted on spermiogenesis in Aulacomnium palustre.
• Expressed sequence tag analysis has been performed on the Arctic moss Aulacomnium turgidum.

Ecology

• Aulacomnium palustre is one of eight fen moss species.

Quirky Facts

• The text references "The Moss Forest: A World in Miniature - The Aulacomnium Grove - Dedicated to cruelty free living through a vegetarian vegan lifestyle according to Judeo." This suggests the moss might be associated with specific philosophical or ethical perspectives.

Further Information

• Checklists containing Aulacomnium palustre are available from the British Bryological Society.
• More information can be found at Tropicos.
• Photos of Aulacomnium palustre are available on Alamy.