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brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium rutabulum
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium: A Diverse Genus of Mosses
The genus Brachythecium belongs to the family Brachytheciaceae and encompasses a variety of mosses, each with unique characteristics and habitats. Several species and common names are referenced in the provided text.
- Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Group: Moss
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Brachythecium velutinum (Hedw.)
- Synonym: Brachytheciastrum velutinum
- Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Starke in Web. & Mohr) Schimp.
- Brachythecium frigidum (Synonyms: Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum)
- Brachythecium albicans (Hedw.) Schimp.
- Brachythecium albicans var. occidentale
- Brachythecium mildeanum (Schimp.)
- Brachythecium piligerum Chad.
Common Names
- Rough-stalked Feather-moss (Brachythecium rutabulum)
- Velvet Feather-moss (Brachythecium velutinum)
- Golden Ragged Moss / Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
- Matted Feather Moss (Brachythecium populeum)
- Stiff brachythecium moss (Brachythecium turgidum)
- Acuminate brachythecium moss (Brachythecium acuminatum)
- Whitish Feather-moss (Brachythecium albicans)
- Ordinary Moss (Often refers to Brachythecium rutabulum)
- Cedar Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)
Distribution and Habitat
Brachythecium mosses exhibit diverse habitat preferences. While the genus primarily includes plants of mesic (moderately moist) sites, some species are found in more specific environments:
- Brachythecium frigidum is an exception to the mesic preference.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is a forest creeping moss.
- Some Brachythecium species grow on rocks in and beside streams.
- Brachythecium albicans is widely distributed on dune ridges.
- Brachythecium rutabulum is found in lawns, fields, and on walls.
Specific locations mentioned include California (where the genus is considered difficult), Den Helder (Netherlands), Noordwijk (The Netherlands), and the Scottish Loch Ewe.
Morphological Characteristics
- Brachythecium mosses form loose, medium-sized patches.
- Capsules are frequent, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is a medium-sized to large moss.
Ecological Role
- Bryum algovicum is a pioneer species often found alongside Brachythecium albicans.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The text mentions the desorption of 137Cs from the moss Brachythecium mildeanum using various solutions. This suggests a use in environmental studies and remediation.
- Heavy metals can induce physiological alterations and oxidative stress in Brachythecium piligerum, indicating its potential use as a bioindicator of pollution.
Further Information
Additional information and resources can be found at:
- Tropicos database (TSN 16242 for Brachythecium velutinum)
- Encyclopedia of Life
- ARKive (for Mrs. Appleyard's moss)
- Shrewsbury Museums Service (Herbarium specimen of Brachythecium rivulare)