No images found for this plant ID: 6551.
Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "6551" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.
brachythecium moss
Scientific Name: Brachythecium velutinum var. venustum
Family: Brachytheciaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Brachythecium Moss
This page provides information on various species within the genus Brachythecium, commonly referred to as brachythecium moss or feather-moss. Brachythecium is a diverse genus of mosses belonging to the family Brachytheciaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- Some species of Brachythecium are found on walls and in lawns, indicating their presence in residential environments.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Brachythecium Schimp.
- Family: Brachytheciaceae
- Synonyms/Alternative Names:
- Brachytheciastrum velutinum (synonym for Brachythecium velutinum)
- Brachythecium asperrimum, Brachythecium gemmascens, Brachythecium lamprochryseum (synonyms for Brachythecium frigidum)
- Examples of Species and Varieties:
- Brachythecium rutabulum (Rough-stalked Feather-moss)
- Brachythecium velutinum (Velvet Feather-moss)
- Brachythecium populeum (Matted Feather Moss)
- Brachythecium turgidum (Stiff brachythecium moss)
- Brachythecium acuminatum (Acuminate brachythecium moss)
- Brachythecium salebrosum (Golden Ragged Moss, Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss)
- Brachythecium rivulare
- Brachythecium albicans (Whitish Feather-moss)
- Brachythecium piligerum
- Brachythecium campestre
- Brachythecium frigidum
- Brachythecium reflexum var. reflexum
Distribution and Habitat
- Brachythecium mosses are widely distributed.
- They are common in California.
- They are found at sites of mesic environments that are not inundated. An exception is Brachythecium frigidum.
- Specific locations mentioned include:
- Sagehen Creek Basin, CA
- Den Helder, Netherlands
- Noordwijk, The Netherlands (Coepelduynen dunes behind ESTEC)
- Lincoln
- Some species, like Brachythecium albicans, are widely distributed on dune ridges.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- They 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 grow in tangled mats on rocks in and beside streams.
Ecological Role
- Brachythecium albicans is a pioneer species found on dunes.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- The desorption of 137Cs from Brachythecium mildeanum has been studied using various solutions.
- Heavy metal-induced physiological alterations and oxidative stress have been studied in Brachythecium piligerum.
Quirky Facts
- One person refers to a form of Brachythecium moss as "Star moss" due to its soft, fluffy appearance, comparing it to a shag carpet.
- Brachythecium salebrosum is also called Golden Ragged Moss or Smooth-stalked Yellow Feather Moss
Further Information
- TSN 16242
- Encyclopedia of Life
- ARKive (for Mrs. Appleyard's moss, presumably a related species)
- Shrewsbury Museums Service (Hamilton Collection of Mosses)
- Toolik-Arctic Geobotanical Atlas maps
- Alamy stock photo library