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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum erythroloma
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum Moss: A Comprehensive Overview
Bryum is a diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With potentially over a thousand described species, Bryum stands out as one of the largest moss genera globally. Several species are well-known, and have been researched for biological and ecological reasons.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Common Names: Bryum moss, thread-moss (referring to species such as Bryum dixonii), silvergreen bryum moss (referring to Bryum argenteum), red thread-moss/glossy red bryum moss (referring to Bryum miniatum).
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: (Implied - Plantae, based on being a moss)
- Family: Bryaceae
- Genus: Bryum
- Examples of Species and Varieties:
- Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's thread-moss)
- Bryum argenteum Hedw. (silvergreen bryum moss)
- Bryum capillare Hedw. var. capillare
- Bryum cyclophyllum (Schwgr.) Bruch & Schimp.
- Bryum turbinatum (Hedw.) Turner
- Bryum algovicum Sendtn. ex Mll. Hal. var. algovicum
- Bryum apiculatum Schwgr.
- Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
- Bryum miniatum Lesq. (red thread-moss, glossy red bryum moss)
- Synonyms/Alternative Names: Mentions Rhodobryum roseum formerly known as Bryum roseum and Rosulabryum capillare also named (Bryum capillare).
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
- Bryum argenteum has a cosmopolitan distribution. It's also found in Antarctic regions and has been the subject of ecological studies.
- Bryum capillare was found at bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware Ohio.
- Bryum caespiticium was found at Greenville Falls State Naure Preserve, Miami County, Ohio.
- Found on a beach along Lake Winnipeg.
- Generally found worldwide in woods or sheltered grassy locations (referring to Rhodobryum roseum, formerly Bryum roseum).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
- Stems are mostly 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants often 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 caespiticium forms crowded clumps of leaves at the upper ends of the stems.
- Bryum flaccidum grows with leaves arranged in a rosette.
- Long-leaved thread moss (a Bryum species) is reddish-green.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in the Gurbantunggut desert.
- Silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum) is also considered a weed in some contexts, requiring management strategies.
Genetic and Cytological Information
- RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Studies show that Bryum argenteum is dependent on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
- Can be affected by the fungal pathogen, Waitea circinata.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University of California provides information on the genus Bryum in California.
- Encyclopedia of Life contains information on Bryum argenteum.
- Discover Life offers details on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Bryum argenteum.
- AusMoss provides records and maps of Bryum species.