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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum longisetum var. longisetum
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum: A Diverse Genus of Mosses
Bryum is a widespread and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With potentially over a thousand described species, Bryum ranks among the largest moss genera.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Bryum mosses grow in tufts or patches, sometimes forming dense cushions. These formations could potentially be disrupted by pets or children playing in areas where the moss grows.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Family: Bryaceae
- Rank: Genus
- Synonyms:
- Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)
- Rosulabryum capillare (Bryum capillare)
- Examples of species:
- Bryum dixonii
- Bryum capillare
- Bryum argenteum
- Bryum miniatum
- Bryum muehlenbeckii
- Bryum sandbergii
- Bryum pseudotriquetrum
- Bryum algovicum
- Bryum aeneum
- Bryum flaccidum
- Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
- Bryum caespiticium
- Bryum algens
Common Names
- Bryum moss
- Dixon's threadmoss (Bryum dixonii)
- Capillary Thread-moss (Bryum capillare)
- Silvergreen bryum moss (Bryum argenteum)
- Silver-moss (Bryum argenteum)
- Glossy Red Bryum Moss (Bryum miniatum)
- Red thread-moss (Bryum miniatum)
- Muehlenbeck's bryum moss (Bryum muehlenbeckii)
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum species are found worldwide.
- Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland, occupying montane habitats.
- Bryum argenteum is found in Antarctica.
- Baltic bryum grows on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.
- Some species are found on beaches (e.g., along Lake Winnipeg).
- Bryum capillare has been observed at Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio.
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) found in the Gurbantunggut desert.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
- Stems are generally 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants may exhibit corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Bryum argenteum forms compact, pale green or silvery-grey tufts or cushions.
- Some species are reddish-green, with leaves that are erect and spreading.
- Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosette.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is a desiccation-tolerant moss that is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs).
- Silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum) can become problematic in turfgrass and nursery crops.
- Baltic bryum is listed as susceptible on the Red List of Dutch mosses.
Quirky Facts
- Bryum argenteum in Antarctica depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection.
- Moss, including species of Bryum, has been used for centuries as an absorbent bandage.
Genetic Information
- RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bryum argenteum interacts with epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
- Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that affects turfgrasses where Bryum argenteum may grow.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants: California Moss eFlora
- Encyclopedia of Life: Search for Bryum argenteum
- Discover Life: Biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Bryum argenteum - Silvergreen bryum moss
- AusMoss: Record a sighting Alerts. Name sce