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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum lisae
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum Mosses
Bryum is a large and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With potentially over a thousand described species, Bryum is considered one of the largest moss genera in the world.
Considerations for Pets
- Bryum mosses often grow in tufts or patches, which could be tempting for pets to investigate or ingest.
Scientific Classification
- Genus: Bryum
- Family: Bryaceae
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae, based on being a moss)
- Rank: Genus, Species, Variety
Nomenclature and Synonyms
- Synonyms for Bryum argenteum include silvergreen bryum moss.
- Alternative name for Rhodobryum roseum: Bryum roseum
Common Names
- Bryum dixonii: Dixon's threadmoss
- Bryum argenteum: silvergreen bryum moss, silvery-thread moss, silver-moss
- Bryum capillare: Capillary Thread-moss
- Bryum miniatum: red thread-moss, glossy red bryum moss
- Bryum dichotomum: Bryum bicolor
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
- Bryum capillare is a very common moss.
- Bryum argenteum is found in various locations, including Antarctic regions and the Gurbantunggut desert, where it is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs).
- Baltic bryum is found on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bryum argenteum forms close tufts or cushions, occurring in patches or scattered among other mosses. It appears pale green or almost white, with a shiny, silvery-grey appearance.
- Bryum mosses generally grow in tufts or patches, with stems ranging from 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants often exhibit corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Some Bryum species, like Bryum flaccidum, grow with leaves arranged in a rosulate fashion.
- Plants are erect in green to brownish green tufts or turfs, to 1.5 cm high. Lower leaves not significantly reduced relative to upper ones. Leaves erect spreading.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in desert environments and is known for its desiccation tolerance.
Quirky Facts
- Bryum argenteum has been shown to depend on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bryum argenteum can be affected by fungal pathogens such as Waitea circinata, which is important to fungal pathogen of amenity turfgrasses.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants: California Moss eFlora.
- Encyclopedia of Life.
- Discover Life.
- AusMoss.