SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 6123.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "6123" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum calophyllum

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryum: A Diverse Genus of Mosses

Bryum is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. This is potentially the largest genus of mosses, with over a thousand described species. However, some species have been reclassified into segregate genera.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches, and dry plants may have corkscrew-like shoots with leaves spirally twisted around the stem, depending on the species.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Common Names: Bryum moss, silvergreen bryum moss
  • Synonyms:
    • Rosulabryum capillare (for Bryum capillare)
  • Species Examples:
    • Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's Thread-moss)
    • Bryum argenteum Hedw. (silvergreen bryum moss)
    • Bryum capillare
    • Bryum miniatum Lesq. (red thread-moss or glossy red bryum moss)
    • Bryum muehlenbeckii
    • Bryum sandbergii
    • Bryum roseum (now Rhodobryum roseum)
    • Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
    • Bryum pseudotriquetrum
    • Bryum coronatum
    • Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
    • Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch &amp Schimp. in B.S.G.
    • Bryum flaccidum
    • Bryum algens
    • Bryum caespiticium (sidewalk moss)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum mosses are found worldwide.
  • Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
  • Bryum argenteum can be found in various environments, including the Antarctic and the Gurbantunggut desert.
  • Bryum capillare was observed at bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware Ohio.
  • Baltic bryum grows on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
  • Stems are mostly 1 to 3 cm tall.
  • Dry plants may have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches which look shiny and silvery grey.
  • Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosulate (rosette-like) fashion.
  • Long-leaved thread mosses are reddish-green.

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in some regions.
  • Silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum) can be a management consideration where control is desired.
  • Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen found in some Bryum species.

Genetic Information

  • The RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique has been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
  • BcChi-A, a GH19 chitinase from the moss Bryum coronatum, is an endo-acting enzyme.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bryum argenteum depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
  • It can also be affected by fungal pathogens such as Waitea circinata, which impacts turfgrasses.

Resources and Further Information

  • Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University of California: [California Moss eFlora](URL) (Note: URL not provided in the text).
  • Discover Life: [Discover Life's page about Bryum argenteum](URL) (Note: URL not provided in the text).
  • Encyclopedia of Life: Search Encyclopedia of Life for Bryum argenteum.