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brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium rotaeanum
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium Mosses
The Brachythecium genus encompasses a variety of mosses, often referred to simply as "Brachythecium moss." This group presents a diverse range of forms and habitats, making identification within the genus challenging, especially in regions like California.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Group: Moss
- Symbol: BRACH10
- Synonyms and related species:
- Brachytheciastrum velutinum (synonym for Brachythecium velutinum)
- Brachythecium frigidum (Cold Brachythecium Moss)
- Synonyms: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum
- Brachythecium turgidum (Stiff Brachythecium Moss)
- Brachythecium piligerum
- Brachythecium mildeanum
- Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss)
- Brachythecium albicans var. occidentale
- Brachythecium reflexum (Pacific Brachythecium Moss)
- Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum
- Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Rough Moss, Cedar Moss)
- Brachythecium populeum
- Brachythecium rivulare
- Brachythecium campestre
- Brachythecium acuminatum (Acuminate Brachythecium Moss)
- Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss, Ordinary Moss)
Distribution and Habitat
- Brachythecium mosses are widely distributed, with some species like Brachythecium albicans found extensively on dune ridges.
- They are commonly found in mesic (moderately moist) environments. However, Brachythecium frigidum is an exception and does not prefer inundated sites.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- California (USA)
- Sagehen Creek Basin, CA (USA)
- Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas region
- Den Helder (Netherlands)
- Coepelduynen dunes, Noordwijk (The Netherlands)
- Rubha nan Sasan, Loch Ewe (Scotland)
- Lincoln (UK)
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Brachythecium mosses form loose to medium-sized patches.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is described as a medium-sized to large, forest-creeping moss.
- Some species grow in tangled mats on rocks in and beside streams.
- Capsules (spore-containing structures) are frequently observed, often having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta (stalk).
Quirky Facts
- Some people refer to certain *Brachythecium* mosses as "Star moss" due to their soft and fluffy appearance.
- One source refers to a *Brachythecium* species as "Mrs. Appleyard's moss".
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Brachythecium mildeanum has been studied for its desorption of Cesium-137 (137Cs) under different acidic conditions.
- The mosses are sometimes found decorating garden walls, with rain droplets enhancing their visual appeal.
Further Information
- TSN 16242 (likely a reference to the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS))
- ARKive (website with photos and facts, potentially no longer active)
- Hamilton Collection of Mosses, Shrewsbury Museums Service (Herbarium specimen sy5846)