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brachythecium moss

Scientific Name: Brachythecium plumosum

Family: Brachytheciaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Brachythecium Moss: A Diverse and Widespread Genus

The genus Brachythecium, commonly referred to as brachythecium moss, encompasses a variety of moss species belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: (Implied) Plantae
  • Family: Brachytheciaceae
  • Genus: Brachythecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Order: Hypnales
  • Example 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)
    • Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss)
    • Brachythecium frigidum
    • Brachythecium populeum
    • Brachythecium turgidum (Stiff brachythecium moss)
    • Brachythecium acuminatum (Acuminate brachythecium moss)
    • Brachythecium rivulare
    • Brachythecium mildeanum
    • Brachythecium piligerum
  • Variety Example: Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Pacific brachythecium moss)
  • Synonyms: The text mentions several synonyms associated with *Brachythecium frigidum*, including *Brachythecium asperrimum*, *Brachythecium gemmascens*, and *Brachythecium lamprochryseum*.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Brachythecium mosses are widely distributed, with mentions of their presence in California, the UK (where Brachythecium rutabulum is noted as a very common moss), and the Netherlands (Den Helder, Noordwijk).
  • They are found in various habitats, including lawns, fields, walls, forests, and dune ridges.
  • Most Brachythecium species prefer mesic (moderately moist) environments, but not inundated sites. Brachythecium frigidum is noted as an exception. Some species can be found on rocks in and beside streams.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Brachythecium mosses form loose, medium-sized patches.
  • Some species, like *Brachythecium salebrosum*, are medium-sized to large.
  • Capsules are frequently observed, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta.
  • Some varieties, such as what the author refers to as "Star moss," have a soft and fluffy texture.

Ecological Role

  • The text mentions Brachythecium albicans as being widely distributed on dune ridges, indicating a role in dune ecosystems.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • An analysis of DNA sequences in the ITS region of nrDNA and the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer has been used to study Brachythecium appleyardiae. This type of analysis is used to study the phylogenetic relationships between plant species.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The text mentions the desorption of 137Cs from the moss *Brachythecium mildeanum* using various solutions, indicating its potential use in studies related to environmental contamination and remediation.

Further Information

  • The Plant List, ToL (Tree of Life), and BHL (Biodiversity Heritage Library) are mentioned as sources of further information.
  • ARKive is mentioned in the context of Mrs. Appleyard's moss.
  • TSN (Integrated Taxonomic Information System) is referenced with a TSN number for Brachythecium velutinum.