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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum calobryoides

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryum: A Comprehensive Overview

Bryum is a large and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With over a thousand described species, it's considered potentially the largest moss genus globally, though some classifications have split it into smaller, more distinct genera.

Considerations for Pets

  • Bryum moss often grows in tufts or patches, potentially making it accessible to pets in gardens or natural settings.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Common Names: Bryum moss
  • Synonyms: Some species previously classified under Bryum may now be found in segregate genera.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum species are found worldwide, including:
    • Scotland (Bryum dixonii)
    • Antarctica (Bryum algens, Bryum argenteum)
    • Netherlands (Baltic bryum on grazed salt marshes)
    • Lake Winnipeg
    • British Columbia (Bryum miniatum)
    • Delaware, Ohio (Bryum capillare)
  • Habitats include:
    • Montane regions
    • Woods and sheltered grassy areas
    • Beaches
    • Salt marshes
    • Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in deserts
    • Turfgrass

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum plays a crucial role as a component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in desert environments, demonstrating desiccation tolerance.
  • Some species, like Bryum argenteum (silvery thread moss), can become problematic in turfgrass and are considered a management concern.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
  • Stems are usually 1 to 3 cm tall.
  • Dry plants of some species (e.g. Bryum argenteum) can exhibit corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Leaves can be arranged in a rosette pattern (e.g., Bryum flaccidum).
  • Color varies: reddish-green, pale green, or silvery-grey.

Genetic Information

  • RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to assess genetic diversity in species like Bryum pseudotriquetrum.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bryum argenteum can depend on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
  • Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum in amenity turfgrasses.
  • BcChi-A, a GH19 chitinase from the moss Bryum coronatum, is an endo-acting enzyme that hydrolyses the glycosidic bonds of chitin

Quirky Facts

  • Bryum argenteum has been studied to determine sex ratios in expressing and nonexpressing shoots.
  • Moss, especially sphagnum, has historically been used as an absorbent bandage. Bryum caespiticium is also known as sidewalk moss.

Further Resources

  • Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • AusMoss