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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum rubens

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryum: A Diverse Genus of Mosses

Bryum is a widespread and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. It is known for having a large number of described species, with estimates exceeding one thousand.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
  • Common Names: Bryum moss, thread-moss (for some species like Bryum dixonii), silvergreen bryum moss (for Bryum argenteum), red thread-moss/glossy red bryum moss (for Bryum miniatum), capillary thread-moss (for Bryum capillare)
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Synonyms:
    • Rosulabryum capillare (synonym for Bryum capillare)
    • Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)
  • Taxonomic Serial Number: For Bryum argenteum, the TSN is 15984.
  • Varieties: Bryum algovicum var. algovicum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum species are found worldwide, including in locations such as Scotland (Bryum dixonii), Antarctica (Bryum algens and Bryum argenteum), and the Netherlands (Baltic bryum).
  • They occupy a variety of habitats, including montane regions, woods, sheltered grassy areas, beaches, and even sidewalks (Bryum caespiticium). Bryum capillare was specifically observed at a bluff overlooking Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
  • The stems are mostly 1 to 3 cm tall.
  • Dry plants of some species, like Bryum species in general, usually have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches that appear shiny and silvery-grey.
  • Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosulate manner.

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in some environments, such as the Gurbantunggut desert.
  • Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen affecting Bryum and amenity turfgrasses.

Genetic Information

  • RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) techniques have been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
  • Studies have examined sex ratios in expressing and non-expressing shoots of Bryum argenteum.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bryum argenteum exhibits dependence on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
  • Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen affecting Bryum and amenity turfgrasses.

Further Information

  • Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants (California Moss eFlora)
  • Discover Life
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • AusMoss
  • Some Common Mosses of BC