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Bryum Moss: A Diverse Genus

Bryum is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. Several species within this genus have common names, adding to their recognizability.

Dixon's threadmoss (Bryum dixonii)
Capillary Thread-moss (Bryum capillare)
Silvergreen bryum moss (Bryum argenteum)
Red thread-moss, Glossy Red Bryum Moss (Bryum miniatum)
Muehlenbeck's bryum moss (Bryum muehlenbeckii)
Silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum)
Bryum Moss (Bryum turbinatum, Bryum algovicum, Bryum apiculatum, Bryum aeneum, Rosulabryum capillare)

Genus: Bryum
Family: Bryaceae
Synonyms/Alternative Names: The text lists a multitude of species within the genus, some including subspecies and varieties. For example, Bryum algovicum Sendtn. ex Mll. Hal. var. algovicum is listed, showing infraspecific ranks. Other genera once included in *Bryum* include *Rosulabryum*.

Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
Bryum capillare was observed at a bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio.
Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum) is found throughout most of the world in woods or sheltered grassy areas.
Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in the Gurbantunggut desert.
One instance of the *Bryum* genus was found on a beach along Lake Winnipeg.
Bryum sandbergii exhibited wide temperature tolerance in the study area.

Bryum capillare grows in tufts or patches, with stems.
Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches which look shiny and silvery grey. It grows in tufts or patches, with stems mostly 1 to 3 cm tall. Dry plants usually have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
Long-leaved thread moss grows in tufts, is a reddish-green in color, and has leaves that are rather long.
Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosulate pattern.
Moss generally appears as tufts or patches of finely textured plants.

Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) found in desert environments and is being studied for its desiccation tolerance.
Bryum argenteum can be considered a weed in turfgrass, leading to research into its biological control.

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

Bryum argenteum is associated with epiphytic bacteria that provide freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that affects turfgrasses and can interact with Bryum argenteum.

Bryum may well be the largest genus of mosses in the world with over a thousand described species.
Moss, especially sphagnum, has historically been used as an absorbent bandage. Bryum caespiticium is also known as sidewalk moss.