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bryoxiphium moss

Scientific Name: Bryoxiphium

Family: Bryoxiphiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Norway Bryoxiphium Moss (Bryoxiphium norvegicum)

Bryoxiphium norvegicum, commonly known as Norway bryoxiphium moss or sword moss, is a unique and intriguing moss species. It's the only member of its family, Bryoxiphiaceae.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Bryoxiphium norvegicum (Brid.) Mitt.
  • Synonyms: Phyllogonium norvegicum
  • Family: Bryoxiphiaceae
  • Genus: Bryoxiphium Mitt.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Bryoxiphium is native to North America, East Asia, and certain islands.
  • In western North America, it's rarely found on siliceous rocks.
  • In Alabama, it's restricted to sheltered sandstone rocks in the Cumberland Plateau.
  • It's also found in a few very sheltered ravines on moist sandstone in southeastern Ohio.
  • Specific locations include Deep Woods Preserve, Hocking County, Ohio and California.

Quirky Facts

  • The Icelandic common name for Bryoxiphium norvegicum is "svermosi."
  • The name "sword moss" hints at the shape of the moss.

Ecological Role

  • Bryoxiphium exhibits a discontinuous distribution.

Further Information

  • Encyclopedia of Life: Provides articles and information about Bryoxiphium norvegicum.
  • Flora of North America: Contains information from Ronald A. Pursell.
  • NatureServe: Provides conservation information, accessible at http://www.natureserve.org/explorer.
  • eFloras.org: Provides more information; see: www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&amptaxon_id=2
  • GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility): Genus in GBIF, offering broader taxonomic information.