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Brachythecium Moss

Brachythecium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. The provided text discusses various species within this genus, highlighting their characteristics and distribution.

Considerations for Pets

• The text refers to "shag carpet moss" and "Star moss" which might be appealing for pets to interact with.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Brachythecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
• Family: Brachytheciaceae
• Order: Hypnales
• Class: Bryopsida
• Synonyms: The text mentions Brachytheciastrum velutinum as a synonym for Brachythecium velutinum. It also lists synonyms for Brachythecium frigidum: Brachythecium asprerrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum.

Common Names

• Rough-stalked Feather-moss (Brachythecium rutabulum)
• Velvet Feather-moss (Brachythecium velutinum)
• Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
• Cedar Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
• Whitish Feather-moss (Brachythecium albicans)
• Star moss (Informal name)
• Shag carpet moss (Informal name)

Distribution and Habitat

• Brachythecium mosses are commonly found in mesic environments, but typically not in inundated sites. Brachythecium frigidum is mentioned as an exception.
• Several species are mentioned as being found in specific locations, such as the Coepelduynen dunes in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.
• Brachythecium salebrosum is described as a forest-creeping moss.
• Brachythecium albicans is widely distributed on dune ridges.
• Brachythecium rutabulum is described as an Ordinary Moss and is found growing in lawns.

Morphological Characteristics

• Brachythecium mosses form loose, medium-sized patches.
• Capsules (sporophytes) are frequent, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta.
• Some species grow in tangled mats on rocks in and beside streams.

Species Highlights

• Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss): Has frequent capsules that are egg-shaped in form with a roughened seta.
• Brachythecium velutinum (Velvet Feather-moss): A common moss.
• Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Cedar Moss): A medium-sized to large moss found in forests.
• Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss): Widely distributed on dune ridges.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions the desorption of 137Cs from Brachythecium mildeanum in specific solutions, suggesting its involvement in environmental processes related to heavy metals.

Further Information

• The Plant List
• ToL (Tree of Life Web Project)
• BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library)
• Encyclopedia of Life