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Brachythecium Moss: A Detailed Overview

This section provides a comprehensive look at the Brachythecium genus of mosses, encompassing various species and their characteristics. Brachythecium is often referred to as "brachythecium moss" in common language.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
• Common Name: brachythecium moss
• Family: Brachytheciaceae
• Order: Hypnales
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Mentions of specific species include synonyms such as:
  • Brachythecium frigidum (Synonyms: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum)
  • Brachytheciastrum velutinum (synonym for Brachythecium velutinum)
• Taxonomic Rank: Genus

Distribution and Habitat

• The Brachythecium genus is known to be a difficult one to classify, especially in regions like California.
• These mosses generally prefer mesic (moderately moist) environments, though they typically avoid sites that are consistently inundated with water. Brachythecium frigidum is noted as an exception to this preference.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Den Helder, Netherlands (Brachythecium rutabulum)
  • Coepelduynen dunes behind ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands
  • Dune ridges (Brachythecium albicans)

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Brachythecium mosses vary in form, often creating loose, medium-sized patches.
• Some species, like Brachythecium salebrosum, are forest creeping mosses.
• Capsules are frequently observed, exhibiting a curved, egg-shaped structure and a roughened seta.
• Some varieties form tangled mats on rocks, particularly near streams.

Species Highlights

• Brachythecium rutabulum: Rough-stalked Feather-moss.
• Brachythecium velutinum: Velvet Feather-moss (also known as Brachytheciastrum velutinum).
• Brachythecium salebrosum: Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, a medium-sized to large moss.
• Brachythecium turgidum: Stiff brachythecium moss.
• Brachythecium populeum: Matted Feather Moss.
• Brachythecium mildeanum
• Brachythecium piligerum
• Brachythecium albicans: Whitish Feather-moss.
• Brachythecium acuminatum: Acuminate brachythecium moss.
• Brachythecium campestre

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions the desorption of 137Cs from Brachythecium mildeanum using solutions like H2SO4 and HNO3, indicating potential interactions with environmental pollutants.

Further Information

• The Plant List
• ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
• BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
• ARKive
• Encyclopedia of Life