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Brachymenium Moss

This page provides information about the moss genus Brachymenium.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brachymenium Schwgr.
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Family: Bryaceae

Several species exist within this genus, including:

• Brachymenium andersonii Crum (Anderson's Brachymenium Moss)
• Brachymenium erectum (Hook.) Marg. (Erect Brachymenium Moss)
• Brachymenium abyssinicum Bruch & W. P. Schimper ex Jaeger, 1875
• Brachymenium systylium (Mll. Hal.) A. Jaeger
• Brachymenium regnellii Hampe
• Brachymenium capitulatum (Mitt.) Par.
• Brachymenium turgidum Broth. ex. Dix.
• Brachymenium walkeri
• Brachymenium longidens Renner & M. A.
• Brachymenium microstomum Harv.
• Brachymenium bryoides Hook. ex Schwgr.
• Brachymenium leptophyllum (Bruch &amp Schimp. ex Mll.Hal.) Bruch

Synonyms or alternative names include:

• Brachymenium klotzschii

Distribution and Habitat

Brachymenium species have been found in various locations around the world, including:

• Antarctica
• Argentina (Buenos Aires)
• Mexico (Durango)
• United States
• Suriname (Brachymenium regnellii)
• Runion Island
• Mount Abu (Rajasthan), India (Brachymenium indicum)
• Melghat Forest (Brachymenium turgidum)
• Nepal (Brachymenium nepalense)
• Brazil

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants can be robust and dark green.
• Stems are typically 1-2 cm high and branched.
• Leaves at the base of the stem are small, while leaves at the top are larger, tufted, and twisted when dry.

Ecological Role

• Some species, like Brachymenium capitulatum, can be used to rapidly develop moss crusts in certain conditions.

Interesting Facts

• Dr. John Spence is radically revising the Bryaceae family, which includes Brachymenium.
• Intracapsular spore germination has been reported in Brachymenium.

Further Information

• Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS): ITIS Website
• Tropicos
• Encyclopedia of Life