No images found for this plant ID: 6256.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "6256" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium hyalotapetum
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium Moss: A Comprehensive Overview
The genus Brachythecium encompasses a variety of mosses within the family Brachytheciaceae. Several species and their characteristics are described below.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
- Common Names: brachythecium moss, Feather-moss (various types like Rough-stalked Feather-moss, Velvet Feather-moss), Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Ordinary Moss, Cedar Moss, Star Moss, Mrs. Appleyard's Moss.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on it being a moss)
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Order: Hypnales
- Genus: Brachythecium
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Brachytheciastrum velutinum (for Brachythecium velutinum)
- For Brachythecium frigidum: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum
- Taxonomic Rank: Includes species, varieties (e.g., Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum), and forms (e.g., Brachythecium rivulare (a form of)).
Distribution and Habitat
- The genus Brachythecium is noted as being a difficult genus in California.
- They are primarily found in mesic (moderately moist) habitats, but not typically in inundated (flooded) sites. Brachythecium frigidum is an exception.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is described as a forest creeping moss.
- Brachythecium albicans is widely distributed on dune ridges.
- Locations mentioned include: Sagehen Creek Basin, CA; Den Helder, Netherlands; Coepelduynen dunes, Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- These mosses form loose, medium-sized patches or tangled mats.
- Capsules (sporophytes) are frequently observed, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta (stalk).
- Some varieties, like the one described as "Star moss," are noted for being soft and fluffy.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is characterized as a medium-sized to large moss.
Ecological Role
- Bryum algovicum (Drooping Thread-moss) and Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss) are mentioned as pioneer species.
Genetic and Cytological Information
- Analysis of DNA sequences in the ITS region of nrDNA and the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer has been used to study Brachythecium appleyardiae. This type of genetic analysis helps to understand the evolutionary relationships between different moss species.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The desorption of 137Cs from the moss Brachythecium mildeanum has been studied, which is relevant to understanding how mosses interact with and are affected by heavy metals.
- Studies have been conducted on heavy metal-induced physiological alterations and oxidative stress in the moss Brachythecium piligerum.
Resources and Further Information
- ARKive (mentions Mrs. Appleyard's moss)
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Alamy stock photo library
- Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas maps
- Shrewsbury Museums Service