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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum microchaeton
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum: A Comprehensive Overview
Bryum is a large and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. This group encompasses a wide variety of species found across different environments worldwide.
Considerations for Pets
- Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches, which might be appealing to pets to chew on or dig in.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Family: Bryaceae
- Synonyms: The text mentions that Bryum may well be the largest genus of mosses in the world with over a thousand described species, but it has been split into segregate genera.
Common Species and Names
- Bryum dixonii: Dixon's threadmoss
- Bryum capillare: Capillary Thread-moss
- Bryum argenteum: Silvergreen bryum moss, Silver-moss, silvery-thread moss
- Bryum miniatum: Red thread-moss, glossy red bryum moss
- Bryum muehlenbeckii: Muehlenbeck's bryum moss
- Bryum dichotomum: Also known as Bryum bicolor
- Rosulabryum capillare: (Bryum moss) (Bryum capillare)
- Rhodobryum roseum: formerly Bryum roseum, Rose moss
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
- Bryum capillare was found at a bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio.
- Bryum argenteum has been found in Minnesota, Antarctica, and the Gurbantunggut desert.
- One source mentions finding the Bryum genus of mosses on a beach along Lake Winnipeg.
- Baltic bryum is found growing on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) found in the Gurbantunggut desert.
Morphological Characteristics
- Bryum argenteum forms very close tufts or cushions and can appear as patches or scattered individuals mixed with other mosses. Its color is often pale green or almost white, giving it a silvery-grey appearance.
- Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches with stems typically 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants of some species may have corkscrew-like shoots with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Long-leaved thread moss grows in tufts and is reddish-green in color.
- Plants erect in green to brownish green tufts or turfs, to 1.5 cm high.
Genetic Information
- The RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique has been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bryum argenteum can depend on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
- Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum in amenity turfgrasses.
Resources and Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University of California
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life
- AusMoss