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brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium biventrosum
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium Moss
The genus Brachythecium belongs to the family Brachytheciaceae and is commonly referred to as "brachythecium moss." This diverse group includes various species with unique characteristics and habitats.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be Plantae (based on being a moss).
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Genus: Brachythecium Schimp.
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Brachytheciastrum velutinum (for Brachythecium velutinum)
- Cold Brachythecium Moss: Brachythecium frigidum (Synonyms: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum)
Common Names
- brachythecium moss
- Rough-stalked Feather-moss (Brachythecium rutabulum)
- Velvet Feather-moss (Brachythecium velutinum)
- Golden Ragged Moss/Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
- Rough Moss, Cedar Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
- Acuminate Brachythecium Moss (Brachythecium acuminatum)
- Whitish Feather-moss (Brachythecium albicans)
Distribution and Habitat
- Brachythecium is found in various locations, including California, the UK, and the Netherlands.
- The genus primarily includes plants of mesic (moderately moist) sites, but not inundated sites. Brachythecium frigidum is an exception.
- Specific habitats mentioned include forests, lawns, walls, rocks in and beside streams, and dune ridges.
- One species, Bryum algovicum (Drooping Thread-moss), is noted as a pioneer species.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Brachythecium mosses can form loose, medium-sized patches.
- Capsules are frequently observed, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta (stalk).
- Some species, like Brachythecium salebrosum, are described as medium-sized to large mosses.
- Some species are small-leaved, growing in tangled mats on rocks.
- One form of Brachythecium resembles a shag carpet and is described as soft and fluffy.
Quirky Facts
- One person refers to a particularly soft and fluffy form of Brachythecium as "Star moss" due to its appearance.
Related Species
- Brachythecium salebrosum
- Brachythecium populeum
- Brachythecium turgidum
- Brachythecium oxycladon
- Brachythecium acuminatum
- Brachythecium rivulare
- Brachythecium albicans
- Brachythecium mildeanum
- Brachythecium piligerum
- Brachythecium campestre
- Brachythecium frigidum
- Brachythecium appleyardiae
Further Information
- The Plant List
- ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
- BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
- ARKive (for Mrs. Appleyard's moss)
- Encyclopedia of Life