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brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium mildeanum
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium Moss: A Comprehensive Overview
Brachythecium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. This diverse genus includes various species found in a range of habitats.
Considerations for Pets
- This moss is commonly found on walls and in gardens, so there is a high chance of interaction with pets and children.
Scientific Classification and Nomenclature
- Genus: Brachythecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Order: Hypnales
- Examples of Species:
- Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss)
- Brachythecium velutinum (Velvet Feather-moss; also known as Brachytheciastrum velutinum)
- Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Green Silk Moss)
- Brachythecium populeum (Populeum)
- Brachythecium frigidum (Synonyms: Brachythecium asperitym, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum)
- Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss)
- Brachythecium turgidum (Stiff brachythecium moss)
- Brachythecium rivulare
- Brachythecium piligerum Chad.
- Brachythecium oxycladon
- Brachythecium mildeanum (Schimp.)
- Brachythecium campestre
- Brachythecium acuminatum (Acuminate brachythecium moss)
- Variety: Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Starke in Web. & Mohr) Schimp. in B.S.G.
Common Names
- Brachythecium moss
- Rough-stalked Feather-moss
- Velvet Feather-moss
- Golden Ragged Moss
- Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss
- Green Silk Moss
- Mrs. Appleyard's moss
- Star moss
- Stiff brachythecium moss
- Pacific brachythecium moss
- Acuminate Brachythecium Moss
- Whitish Feather-moss
- Rough Moss
- Cedar Moss
- Ordinary Moss
Distribution and Habitat
- Brachythecium species are widely distributed.
- They are commonly found in mesic (moderately moist) environments, but not typically in inundated (flooded) sites, with Brachythecium frigidum being an exception.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- California (USA)
- Den Helder, Netherlands
- Coepelduynen dunes, Noordwijk, The Netherlands
- Lawns and walls in the UK
- Some species, like Brachythecium albicans, are widely distributed on dune ridges.
Morphological Characteristics
- Brachythecium mosses form loose, medium-sized patches.
- Capsules are frequently observed, exhibiting a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta (stalk).
- Some forms of Brachythecium resemble a "shag carpet" due to their soft, fluffy texture, sometimes referred to as "Star moss."
- Some are forest creeping mosses.
Quirky Facts
- One person describes a form of Brachythecium moss as resembling a "shag carpet" and affectionately calls it "Star moss" due to its soft, fluffy appearance.
- One user quips that brachythecium moss "step-by-step prevents between biryani," although the meaning is unclear, it adds a quirky, humorous dimension to the plant's perception.
Ecological Role
- Brachythecium salebrosum is a forest creeping moss.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- It can be decorated with raindrops, creating attractive scenery in home gardens.
- Heavy metals can induce physiological alterations and oxidative stress in the moss Brachythecium piligerum Chad.
Further Information
- The Plant List
- ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
- BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
- ARKive (Mrs. Appleyard's moss photos and facts)
- Encyclopedia of Life