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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum algovicum
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum: A Diverse Genus of Mosses
Bryum is a widespread genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. This genus encompasses a diverse array of species found in various habitats worldwide. Several species within this genus have garnered specific attention due to their ecological roles and unique characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches.
Considerations for Children
- Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Family: Bryaceae
- Common Names: Bryum moss, silvergreen bryum moss.
- Synonyms: Mentions of Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)
- Examples of Species:
- Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's Thread-moss)
- Bryum capillare
- Bryum argenteum Hedw. (silvergreen bryum moss)
- Bryum miniatum Lesq. (red thread-moss, glossy red bryum moss)
- Bryum muehlenbeckii (Muehlenbeck’s bryum moss)
- Bryum flaccidum
- Bryum sandbergii
- Bryum dichotomum (Bryum bicolor)
- Bryum pseudotriquetrum
- Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
- Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum species are found throughout most of the world.
- Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland, occupying montane habitats.
- Bryum argenteum can be found in the Gurbantunggut desert.
- One report mentions Bryum found on a beach along Lake Winnipeg.
- Baltic bryum grows on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.
- Bryum capillare was found at a bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio.
Morphological Characteristics
- Bryum capillare grows in tufts or patches, with stems.
- Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches that appear shiny and silvery grey.
- Most Bryum stems are 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry Bryum plants often have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosulate pattern.
- Long-leaved thread moss is reddish-green and grows in tufts.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in some desert environments.
Genetic Information
- The RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique has been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bryum argenteum depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
- Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen that affects Bryum argenteum on amenity turfgrasses.
Quirky Facts
- Sphagnum Moss, an example being Bryum caespiticium, or sidewalk moss, has been used for centuries for absorbent bandage.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life