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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum lonchocaulon

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryum: A World of Mosses

Bryum is a large and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. The genus encompasses over a thousand described species, although some have been reclassified into segregate genera.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Bryum
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Kingdom: (Implied, likely Plantae)

Some species and synonyms include:

  • Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's Thread-moss)
  • Bryum capillare
  • Bryum argenteum Hedw. (Silvergreen Bryum Moss)
  • Bryum miniatum Lesq. (Red Thread-moss, Glossy Red Bryum Moss)
  • Bryum muehlenbeckii (Muehlenbeck's Bryum Moss)
  • Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
  • Rosulabryum capillare
  • Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
  • Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch &amp Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
  • Bryum capillare was observed at bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware Ohio.
  • Bryum argenteum is found in the Gurbantunggut desert as an important component of the Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs).
  • Baltic bryum is found on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.
  • Rhodobryum roseum is found throughout most of the world in woods or sheltered grassy areas.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Bryum capillare grows in tufts or patches with stems.
  • Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches that look shiny and silvery grey. It grows in tufts or patches, with stems mostly 1 to 3 cm tall. Dry plants usually have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Long-leaved thread moss grows in tufts, is reddish-green in color, and has leaves that are rather long.
  • Other Bryum species are erect in green to brownish-green tufts or turfs, to 1.5 cm high.
  • Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosulate pattern.

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen of amenity turfgrasses and is especially associated with Bryum argenteum.

Genetic Information

  • RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique has been used to assess the level of genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.

Further Information

  • Jepson eFlora
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • AusMoss