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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum ruderale

Family: Bryaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Bryum: A Comprehensive Overview

Bryum is a large and diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae. This genus includes a wide array of species with varying characteristics and ecological roles.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Bryum
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Synonyms: Some species previously classified under Bryum have been moved to segregate genera.
  • Examples:
    • Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's Thread-moss)
    • Bryum argenteum Hedw. (Silvergreen bryum moss)
    • Bryum capillare (Capillary Thread-moss)
    • Bryum miniatum Lesq. (Red thread-moss, glossy red bryum moss)
    • Bryum muehlenbeckii (Muehlenbeck's bryum moss)
    • Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
    • Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)
    • Rosulabryum capillare (Bryum capillare)
    • Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
    • Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) for Bryum argenteum: 15984

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum mosses are found worldwide, including in locations like:
    • Scotland (Bryum dixonii, endemic)
    • Lake Winnipeg
    • Antarctica (Bryum argenteum)
    • The Netherlands (Baltic bryum in grazed salt marshes)
    • Delaware, Ohio (Bryum capillare)
  • They occupy diverse habitats such as montane areas, woods, sheltered grassy locations, beaches, and even sidewalks (Bryum caespiticium).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Bryum mosses typically grow in tufts or patches.
  • Stems are usually 1 to 3 cm tall.
  • Some species, like Bryum argenteum, form compact, pale green or silvery-grey tufts.
  • Dry plants of some species may have corkscrew-like shoots with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosette.
  • Some species, like the long-leaved thread moss, have a reddish-green color.

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in deserts.
  • Some species, like silvery thread moss (Bryum argenteum), can become problematic in turfgrass, requiring management considerations.

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 exhibits dependence on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection.
  • Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum mosses, especially in amenity turfgrasses.

Further Information

  • Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University of California
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • Discover Life
  • AusMoss