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bryum moss
Scientific Name: Bryum uliginosum
Family: Bryaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Bryum: A Diverse Genus of Mosses
Bryum is a large and widespread genus of mosses belonging to the family Bryaceae.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
- Common Names: Bryum moss, silvergreen bryum moss, Dixon's thread-moss, red thread-moss (glossy red bryum moss)
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Genus: Bryum
- Family: Bryaceae
- Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae)
- Synonyms: Mentions Rhodobryum roseum formerly Bryum roseum.
- Examples of species and variety:
- Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E. Nicholson
- Bryum argenteum Hedw.
- Bryum miniatum Lesq.
- Bryum capillare
- Bryum muehlenbeckii
- Bryum sandbergii
- Bryum dichotomum (syn. Bryum bicolor)
- Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
- Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
Distribution and Habitat
- Bryum species are found worldwide.
- Specific mentions include:
- Scotland (Bryum dixonii, endemic)
- Lake Winnipeg
- British Columbia (BC)
- Antarctica (Bryum argenteum)
- Minnesota
- Netherlands (Baltic bryum)
- Delaware, Ohio
- Habitats include montane areas, woods, sheltered grassy locations, beaches, salt marshes, and turfgrass.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Grows in tufts or patches.
- Stems are mostly 1 to 3 cm tall.
- Dry plants often have corkscrew-like shoots with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
- Bryum argenteum forms close tufts or cushions, appearing as patches or scattered individuals. They can be pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches which look shiny and silvery grey.
- Long-leaved thread moss is reddish-green with leaves that are rather spaced apart.
- Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosette.
Ecological Role
- Bryum argenteum is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) in deserts.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Bryum argenteum depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctic environments.
- Waitea circinata is a fungal pathogen that affects Bryum argenteum in amenity turfgrasses.
Genetic Information
- RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) has been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
Considerations for Pets
- Moss appears as tufts or patches of finely textured plants.
Quirky Facts
- Bryum argenteum is desiccation-tolerant, allowing it to thrive in harsh desert environments.
- Moss, including species of Bryum, has historically been used as absorbent bandages.
Further Information
- Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Discover Life
- California Moss eFlora
- AusMoss