SafePlants

Brachythecium Moss

Brachythecium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. Several species are mentioned in the provided text, including:

• Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss)
• Brachythecium velutinum (Velvet Feather-moss; also referred to as Brachytheciastrum velutinum)
• Brachythecium populeum (Matted Feather Moss)
• Brachythecium turgidum (Stiff brachythecium moss)
• Brachythecium acuminatum (Acuminate brachythecium moss)
• Brachythecium rivulare
• Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Cedar Moss, Rough Moss)
• Brachythecium appleyardiae
• Brachythecium mildeanum
• Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss)
• Brachythecium campestre
• Brachythecium piligerum
• Brachythecium frigidum (Synonyms: Brachythecium asprerrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Kingdom: Not explicitly stated but assumed to be Plantae.
• Family: Brachytheciaceae
• Genus: Brachythecium Schimp. in B.S.G.

Variety: Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Starke in Web. &amp Mohr) Schimp. in B.S.G.

Distribution and Habitat

• Brachythecium velutinum is a common moss.
• The genus Brachythecium primarily includes plants of mesic (moderately moist) sites, but not inundated ones. Brachythecium frigidum is an exception.
• Brachythecium salebrosum is found in forests.
• Brachythecium albicans is widely distributed on dune ridges.
• Mentions of Sagehen Creek Basin, CA, Den Helder (Netherlands), Noordwijk (The Netherlands), Rubha nan Sasan (Loch Ewe, Scotland) indicate its presence in those regions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Forms loose, medium-sized patches.
• Capsules are frequent, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta.
• Brachythecium salebrosum is described as a medium-sized to large moss.

Ecological Role

• Bryum algovicum (Drooping Thread-moss) and Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss) are pioneer species found on various substrates, indicating their role in early succession.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The text mentions the desorption of 137Cs from the moss Brachythecium mildeanum, indicating its capacity to absorb and release this radioactive isotope, suggesting potential interactions with environmental pollutants.

Further Information

• TSN 16242 refers to an entry in the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS) for Brachythecium velutinum.
• ARKive is mentioned as a source for photos and facts about Mrs. Appleyard's moss.
• The Hamilton Collection of Mosses at the Shrewsbury Museums Service is a source for herbarium specimens.
• Encyclopedia of Life is mentioned as a source for information on Brachythecium albicans.

Quirky Facts

• Some people refer to a form of Brachythecium as "Star moss" due to its soft and fluffy appearance, resembling a shag carpet.