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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum radiculosum
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum: A Diverse Genus of Mosses
Bryum is a large and widespread genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. With potentially over a thousand described species, Bryum is one of the most diverse moss genera, although some species have been reclassified into segregate genera.
Considerations for Pets
- Bryum mosses often grow in tufts or patches.
- Dry plants can have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Family: Bryaceae
- Common Names: Bryum moss, thread-moss (for some species).
- Synonyms: Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum).
- Examples of Species:
- Bryum dixonii (Dixon's thread-moss)
- Bryum capillare (Capillary Thread-moss)
- Bryum argenteum (Silvergreen bryum moss, Silver-moss)
- Bryum miniatum (Red thread-moss, Glossy red bryum moss)
- Bryum muehlenbeckii (Muehlenbeck's bryum moss)
- Bryum sandbergii
- Bryum flaccidum
- Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
- Bryum pseudotriquetrum
- Bryum algovicum var. algovicum
- Bryum aeneum
- Bryum coronatum
- Rosulabryum capillare (Bryum capillare)
- Bryum caespiticium (Sidewalk moss)
- Bryum algens
- Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN): 15984 for Bryum argenteum
- Symbol: BRYUM2
- Group: Moss
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum mosses are found worldwide.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Scotland (Bryum dixonii)
- British Columbia (Bryum miniatum)
- Antarctica (Bryum argenteum, Bryum algens)
- Lake Winnipeg
- Delaware, Ohio (Bryum capillare)
- Netherlands (Baltic bryum on grazed salt marshes)
- Habitats include montane regions, woods, sheltered grassy areas, beaches, salt marshes, and even sidewalks (Bryum caespiticium).
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
- Stems are often 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants of some species exhibit corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches which appear shiny and silvery grey.
- Some species, like Bryum flaccidum, have leaves arranged in a rosette.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in deserts like the Gurbantunggut.
- Some species, like silvery-thread moss (Bryum argenteum), can become problematic in turfgrass and may require management.
Genetic Information
- RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to assess genetic diversity in species like Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bryum argenteum in Antarctica depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection.
- Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum in amenity turfgrasses.
- BcChi-A, a GH19 chitinase from the moss Bryum coronatum, is an endo-acting enzyme that hydrolyzes chitin.
Quirky Facts
- Bryum argenteum can be found expressing or nonexpressing shoots.
- Moss, especially sphagnum, has been used for centuries for everything from absorbent bandage.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University of California
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life
- AusMoss