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Brachythecium Moss: A Comprehensive Overview

Brachythecium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. Often referred to simply as "brachythecium moss," it encompasses a variety of species found in diverse habitats.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
• Family: Brachytheciaceae
• Rank: Genus
• Synonyms/Varieties:
  • Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Starke in Web. & Mohr) Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Brachythecium albicans (Hedw.) Schimp. in B.S.G.

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus Brachythecium primarily includes plants of mesic sites, but not those that are typically inundated.
• Brachythecium frigidum (Cold Brachythecium Moss) is noted as an exception to this habitat preference.
• Specific locations mentioned include California (where the genus is considered difficult), the Sagehen Creek Basin in California, Den Helder in the Netherlands, Noordwijk in The Netherlands, and dunes.
• Some species like Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss) are widely distributed on dune ridges.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss) forms loose, medium-sized patches and has frequent capsules with a curved, egg-shaped form and a roughened seta.
• Some forms are described as "soft and fluffy" and resembling a "shag carpet," sometimes referred to as "Star moss".
• Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss) is a medium-sized to large forest creeping moss.
• Some species are small-leaved and grow in tangled mats on rocks, particularly beside streams.

Ecological Role

• Bryum algovicum (Drooping Thread-moss) and Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss) are mentioned as pioneer species found on dune ridges.

Genetic Information

• Analysis of DNA sequences in the ITS region of nrDNA and the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer has been used to place Brachythecium appleyardiae within the genus.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• One study investigated the desorption of 137Cs from Brachythecium mildeanum using H2SO4 and HNO3 solutions.
• Research has explored heavy metal-induced physiological alterations and oxidative stress in Brachythecium piligerum.

Common Names

• Brachythecium moss
• Rough-stalked Feather-moss (Brachythecium rutabulum)
• Golden Ragged Moss/Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
• Cold Brachythecium Moss (Brachythecium frigidum)
• Whitish Feather-moss (Brachythecium albicans)
• Acute Brachythecium Moss (Brachythecium acutum)
• Star Moss (informal name for some forms)
• Cedar Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
• Rough Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)

Further Information

• TSN 16242 refers to an entry for Brachythecium velutinum within an unspecified database.
• Herbarium specimens may be found at institutions like the Shrewsbury Museums Service (e.g., specimen sy5846 for Brachythecium rivulare).