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brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium erythrorrhizon
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium: A Comprehensive Overview
Brachythecium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. Several species are mentioned, each with unique characteristics and habitats.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
- Common Names: Brachythecium Moss, Feather-moss (for some species like B. rutabulum and B. velutinum), Rough Moss, Cedar Moss, Golden Ragged Moss, Star moss, Ordinary Moss.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Kingdom: (Not explicitly stated, but implicitly Plantae)
- Genus: Brachythecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Brachytheciastrum velutinum (synonym for Brachythecium velutinum)
- Synonyms for Brachythecium frigidum: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum.
- Varieties:
- Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Starke in Web. & Mohr) Schimp. in B.S.G.
- Brachythecium albicans var. occidentale
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Brachythecium form dense mats, and pets might ingest it.
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus is found in various locations, including California, the Toolik-Arctic region, the UK, and the Netherlands.
- Generally found in mesic (moderately moist) environments, but not typically inundated sites. Brachythecium frigidum is an exception.
- Specific habitats mentioned include forests (B. salebrosum), dune ridges (B. albicans), lawns, and walls (B. rutabulum), as well as rocks in and beside streams (B. salebrosum).
Morphological Characteristics
- Variable mosses that form loose, medium-sized patches.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is described as a forest-creeping moss.
- Capsules are frequent, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Used to study the desorption of 137Cs.
- Heavy metals can induce physiological alterations and oxidative stress in Brachythecium piligerum.
Quirky Facts
- Some people affectionately refer to a soft and fluffy form of Brachythecium as "Star moss" due to its appearance.
Resources and Further Information
- TSN 16242 refers to a taxonomic serial number, likely in a database like the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS).
- ARKive (mentions "Mrs. Appleyard's moss," though the connection to Brachythecium is unclear from this text).
- Encyclopedia of Life is mentioned as a resource for Brachythecium albicans.
- Hamilton Collection of Mosses at Shrewsbury Museums Service (sy5846) has a specimen of Brachythecium rivulare.