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Brachythecium Moss: A Detailed Overview

Brachythecium is a diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. Several species are commonly referred to as "feather-mosses" due to their appearance.

Considerations for Pets

• Some *Brachythecium* mosses can form dense mats, potentially posing a choking hazard to small animals if ingested.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Brachythecium Schimp.
• Family: Brachytheciaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on being a moss)
• Rank: Genus

Common Names

• Brachythecium Moss
• Feather-moss (for some species)

Synonyms and Alternative Names

• Brachytheciastrum velutinum (for Brachythecium velutinum)
• Synonyms for Brachythecium frigidum: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum

Species Spotlight

• Brachythecium rutabulum: Known as Rough-stalked Feather-moss.
• Brachythecium velutinum: Known as Velvet Feather-moss.
• Brachythecium salebrosum: Known as Green Silk Moss, Rough Moss, Cedar Moss, and Golden Ragged Moss (also "Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss").
• Brachythecium turgidum: Known as Stiff Brachythecium Moss.
• Brachythecium albicans: Known as Whitish Feather-moss.
• Brachythecium mildeanum
• Brachythecium piligerum
• Brachythecium rivulare
• Brachythecium populeum
• Brachythecium campestre
• Brachythecium frigidum

Distribution and Habitat

• The genus primarily includes plants of mesic (moderately moist) sites, but not typically inundated ones. Brachythecium frigidum is an exception.
• Brachythecium rutabulum is a common moss in the UK, found growing in lawns, fields and on walls.
• Brachythecium albicans is widely distributed on dune ridges.
• Brachythecium salebrosum is found in forests.

Morphological Characteristics

• Many species form loose, medium-sized patches.
• Capsules are frequent in some species, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta (stalk).
• Some species, like a form of *Brachythecium*, resemble a "shag carpet" due to their soft and fluffy texture.
• Brachythecium salebrosum is described as medium-sized to large moss.

Quirky Facts

• One contributor affectionately refers to a soft and fluffy form of *Brachythecium* moss as "Star moss."

Ecological Role

• Brachythecium albicans is a pioneer species on dune ridges.

Genetic Information

• Analysis of DNA sequences in the ITS region of nrDNA and the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer has been used to study Brachythecium appleyardiae.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The desorption of 137Cs from the moss Brachythecium mildeanum has been studied using various solutions.

Further Resources

• TSN 16242
• Encyclopedia of Life
• Plants of Sagehen Creek Basin, CA - Mosses, Ferns, Horsetails, Liverworts, Lycopods