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bryum moss

Scientific Name: Bryum violaceum

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.

Considerations for Pets

  • Bryum grows in tufts or patches.
  • Bryum argenteum forms close tufts or cushions.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bryum Hedw.
  • Family: Bryaceae
  • Rank: Genus
  • Species Examples:
    • Bryum dixonii Cardot ex W.E.Nicholson (Dixon's Thread-moss)
    • Bryum capillare
    • Bryum argenteum Hedw. (silvergreen bryum moss)
    • Bryum miniatum Lesq. (red thread-moss, glossy red bryum moss)
    • Bryum muehlenbeckii (Muehlenbeck's bryum moss)
    • Bryum flaccidum
    • Bryum sandbergii
    • Bryum dichotomum (also known as Bryum bicolor)
    • Bryum pseudotriquetrum
    • Bryum algovicum var. algovicum Sendtn. ex C. Mll.
    • Bryum aeneum Blytt ex Bruch & Schimp. in B.S.G.
    • Bryum coronatum
    • Bryum algens
    • Bryum caespiticium (sidewalk moss)
  • Synonyms and Related Taxa:
    • Rhodobryum roseum (formerly Bryum roseum)
    • Rosulabryum capillare (Bryum moss) (Bryum capillare)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryum dixonii is endemic to Scotland and occupies montane habitats.
  • Bryum capillare can be found at Alum Creek in Delaware, Ohio.
  • Rhodobryum roseum is found throughout most of the world in woods or sheltered grassy areas.
  • Bryum argenteum can be found in the Antarctic, and is an important component of Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) found in the Gurbantunggut desert.
  • Bryum argenteum has been recorded in Minnesota.
  • Bryum algens has been recorded in Antarctica.
  • Baltic bryum grows on grazed salt marshes in the Netherlands

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Bryum mosses grow in tufts or patches, with stems mostly 1 to 3 cm tall.
  • Dry Bryum plants usually have corkscrew-like shoots, with leaves spirally twisted around the stem.
  • Bryum argenteum forms pale green or almost white, compact tufts or patches which look shiny and silvery grey.
  • Bryum argenteum forms very close tufts or cushions.
  • Long-leaved thread moss is reddish-green.
  • Bryum flaccidum grows with its leaves arranged in a rosulate manner.
  • Bryum argenteum (Bryaceae) has numerous spores per capsule. In addition, its spores are yellow and have many oil droplets.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • The RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique has been used to assess genetic diversity in Bryum pseudotriquetrum.
  • BcChi-A, a GH19 chitinase from the moss Bryum coronatum, is an endo-acting enzyme that hydrolyses the glycosidic bonds of chitin.

Ecological Role

  • Bryum argenteum is an important component of the Biological Soil Crusts (BSCs) found in the Gurbantunggut desert.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Bryum argenteum depends on epiphytic bacteria for freezing protection in Antarctica.
  • Waitea circinata is an important fungal pathogen that can affect Bryum moss, especially on amenity turfgrasses.

Quirky Facts

  • Bryum capillare is a very common moss and one of the most recognisable of all British mosses.

Further Information

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