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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum meesioides
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum Mosses
Bryum is a diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With potentially over a thousand described species, it stands as one of the largest moss genera.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches.
- Some *Bryum* species have stems mostly 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants of some *Bryum* species usually have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Family: Bryaceae
- Synonyms:
- Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)
- Rosulabryum capillare (Bryum capillare)
Common Names
- Bryum Moss
- Silvergreen Bryum Moss (for Bryum argenteum)
- Silvery Thread-moss (for Bryum argenteum)
- Dixon's Thread-moss (for Bryum dixonii)
- Red Thread-moss (Glossy Red Bryum Moss) (for Bryum miniatum)
- Muehlenbeck's Bryum Moss (for Bryum muehlenbeckii)
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
- Bryum argenteum has been found in the Antarctic.
- Baltic bryum grows on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in the Gurbantunggut desert, where it exhibits desiccation tolerance.
- Some Bryum species, like Bryum argenteum, can become problematic in managed turfgrass environments.
Morphological Characteristics
- Bryum argenteum forms very close tufts or cushions.
- Bryum capillare grows in tufts or patches, with stems.
- Dry plants of some *Bryum* species usually have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Long-leaved thread moss grows in tufts and is reddish-green.
- Plants can be erect in green to brownish-green tufts or turfs, up to 1.5 cm high.
Genetic Information
- RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum mosses in amenity turfgrasses.
- Epiphytic bacteria may provide freezing protection for Bryum argenteum in Antarctic environments.
Quirky Facts
- Bryum argenteum can appear pale green or almost white, with a shiny, silvery-grey look.
- Mosses, especially sphagnum, have a history of use as absorbent bandages. Bryum caespiticium is also known as sidewalk moss.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University of California
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life
- AusMoss