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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum nitidulum

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryum: A Comprehensive Overview

Bryum is a diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With potentially over a thousand described species, it represents one of the largest moss genera worldwide. Bryum mosses are found in various habitats and display a range of morphological characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • Bryum mosses often grow in tufts or patches, which might be tempting for pets to disturb or ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Synonyms: Some species previously classified under Bryum have been split into segregate genera.
  • Examples:
    • Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's Thread-moss)
    • Bryum argenteum Hedw. (Silvergreen bryum moss, Silver-moss)
    • Rosulabryum capillare (formerly Bryum capillare) (Capillary Thread-moss)
    • Bryum miniatum Lesq. (Red thread-moss, Glossy red bryum moss)
    • Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
    • Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum) (Rose moss)
    • Bryum muehlenbeckii (Muehlenbeck's bryum moss)
    • Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
    • Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
    • Bryum sandbergii
    • Bryum pseudotriquetrum
    • Bryum flaccidum
    • Bryum caespiticium (sidewalk moss)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum mosses are found globally, including:
    • Scotland (Bryum dixonii, endemic) in montane habitats
    • California
    • Lake Winnipeg (Canada)
    • British Columbia
    • Antarctica (Bryum argenteum, Bryum algens)
    • Netherlands (Baltic bryum on grazed salt marshes)
    • Delaware, Ohio

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
  • Stems are usually 1 to 3 cm tall.
  • Some species, like Bryum argenteum, form very close tufts or cushions.
  • Dry plants may have corkscrew-like shoots with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Color varies from pale green or silvery-grey (Bryum argenteum) to reddish-green (long-leaved thread moss).
  • Plants can be erect, growing in green to brownish green tufts or turfs, up to 1.5 cm high.
  • Some species, like Bryum flaccidum, grow with leaves arranged in a rosette.

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in the Gurbantunggut desert.
  • Bryum argenteum can become problematic on putting greens and in turfgrass, requiring management considerations.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bryum argenteum in Antarctica exhibits dependence on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection.
  • Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that can affect turfgrasses where Bryum is present.

Quirky Facts

  • Bryum argenteum is desiccation-tolerant, allowing it to thrive in harsh environments like deserts.
  • Bryum caespiticium is commonly known as "sidewalk moss" due to its tendency to grow in urban environments.

Further Information

  • Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • AusMoss