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brachythecium moss

Scientific Name: Brachythecium velutinum

Family: Brachytheciaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Brachythecium Moss

Brachythecium is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae. The information below summarizes various aspects of this genus based on the provided text.

Considerations for Pets

  • The provided text describes some Brachythecium species as forming "soft and fluffy" mats, which could be attractive to pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Family: Brachytheciaceae
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names:
    • Brachytheciastrum velutinum (for Brachythecium velutinum)
  • Varieties: Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum (Starke in Web. & Mohr) Schimp. in B.S.G.
  • Species Mentioned:
    • Brachythecium acuminatum
    • Brachythecium albicans
    • Brachythecium albicans var. occidentale
    • Brachythecium appleyardiae
    • Brachythecium campestre
    • Brachythecium frigidum
    • Brachythecium mildeanum
    • Brachythecium piligerum
    • Brachythecium populeum
    • Brachythecium rivulare
    • Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss, Ordinary Moss)
    • Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Rough Moss, Cedar Moss)
    • Brachythecium turgidum (Stiff brachythecium moss)
    • Brachythecium velutinum (Velvet Feather-moss)

Distribution and Habitat

  • The genus Brachythecium is described as a difficult genus in California.
  • Most Brachythecium species prefer mesic (moderately moist) sites, but not inundated ones. Brachythecium frigidum is an exception.
  • Some species, such as Brachythecium albicans, are widely distributed on dune ridges.
  • Brachythecium salebrosum is found in forests.
  • Brachythecium rivulare is found on rocks in and beside streams.
  • The text mentions specimens collected in Den Helder, Netherlands and the Coepelduynen dunes behind ESTEC in Noordwijk, The Netherlands.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Brachythecium mosses can form loose, medium-sized patches.
  • Capsules are frequent, having a curved, egg-shaped form with a roughened seta.
  • Brachythecium salebrosum is a forest creeping moss.
  • Some species are described as growing in tangled mats on rocks.

Ecological Role

  • Brachythecium rutabulum is one of the UK's most common mosses, found growing in lawns.
  • Brachythecium albicans is described as widely distributed on dune ridges.

Genetic Information

  • An analysis of DNA sequences in the ITS region of nrDNA and the atpB-rbcL intergenic spacer has been used to classify Brachythecium appleyardiae.

Interactions with other organisms

  • Desorption of 137Cs from Brachythecium mildeanum has been studied using various solutions.
  • Heavy metal-induced physiological alterations and oxidative stress in the moss Brachythecium piligerum have been investigated.

Common Names

  • Rough-stalked Feather-moss (Brachythecium rutabulum)
  • Velvet Feather-moss (Brachythecium velutinum)
  • Matted Feather Moss (Brachythecium populeum)
  • Stiff brachythecium moss (Brachythecium turgidum)
  • Acuminate Brachythecium Moss (Brachythecium acuminatum)
  • Whitish Feather-moss (Brachythecium albicans)
  • Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss, Rough Moss, Cedar Moss (Brachythecium salebrosum)

Quirky Facts

  • One source humorously describes "brachythecium moss" as a flaky way, with few cookies petting the vehicle at service and manual.
  • One source mentions calling a form of Brachythecium "Star moss" due to its soft and fluffy appearance.

Further Information

  • Plants of Sagehen Creek Basin, CA - Mosses, Ferns, Horsetails, Liverworts, Lycopods
  • ARKive (for Mrs. Appleyard's moss)