Safeplants

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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum purpurascens

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

Bryum is a diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. This group includes a wide array of species found in various habitats worldwide.

Some Bryum species grow in tufts or patches, potentially attracting pets to explore and interact with them.

Bryum species are found globally, including in Scotland (Bryum dixonii), Antarctica (Bryum algens, Bryum argenteum), and the Gurbantunggut desert (Bryum argenteum).
Habitats range from montane regions to salt marshes (Baltic bryum), woods, sheltered grassy areas, beaches (along Lake Winnipeg), and even sidewalks (Bryum caespiticium).

Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
Stems usually range from 1 to 3 cm tall.
Some species, like Bryum argenteum, form compact, pale green or silvery-grey tufts.
Dry plants of certain species may exhibit corkscrew-like shoots due to leaves spirally twisting around the stem.
Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosette.

RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to study genetic diversity within Bryum pseudotriquetrum.

Bryum argenteum depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum mosses, especially in amenity turfgrasses.
BcChi-A, a GH19 chitinase from Bryum coronatum, hydrolyzes chitin, a component found in fungi and insects.

Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in desert environments.

Bryum argenteum (silvergreen bryum moss) can exhibit varying sex ratios depending on environmental conditions.
Some species, like Bryum caespiticium, are commonly found growing on sidewalks.