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buxbaumia moss

Scientific Name: Buxbaumia aphylla

Family: Buxbaumiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Buxbaumia: The Intriguing Bug Moss

Buxbaumia, often called Bug moss, Bug-on-a-stick, Humpbacked elves, or Elf-cap moss, is a fascinating genus of mosses with some unique characteristics.

Considerations for Pets

  • Grows on decaying wood.

Considerations for Children

  • Common names include Bug moss, Bug-on-a-stick, Humpbacked elves, or Elf-cap moss.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Buxbaumia
  • Common Names: Bug moss, Bug-on-a-stick, Humpbacked elves, Elf-cap moss
  • Family: Buxbaumiaceae
  • Kingdom: Bryophyta (Mosses)
  • Synonyms for Buxbaumia viridis include:
    • Buxbaumia viridis (DC.) Moug. &amp Nestl.
    • Buxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. &amp DC.) Brid. ex Moug. &amp Nestl.
    • Buxbaumia aphylla var. viridis Moug. ex Lam.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Buxbaumia species grow on soil or rotten wood.
  • Buxbaumia viridis is found in decaying woods in forests.
  • Occurrences have been noted in regions such as the Javornky Mts., the Vsetnsk vrchy hills (Western Carpathians), and the K?odzko region (Central and Eastern Europe).
  • Buxbaumia viridis is native to California.
  • Found in Allegany County, Maryland.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Buxbaumia plants have a much-reduced gametophyte compared to their sporophyte.
  • Buxbaumia viridis lacks obvious green leaves and only has a robust seta.
  • Capsule shape makes identification to the genus certain.

Ecological Role

  • Buxbaumia viridis is a rare policy species restricted to decaying woods.

Species within the Genus

  • Buxbaumia aphylla Hedw. - Brown Shield-moss
  • Buxbaumia minakatae Okam. - Buxbaumia Moss
  • Buxbaumia piperi Best - Piper's Buxbaumia Moss
  • Buxbaumia viridis (DC.) Moug. &amp Nestl. - Green Shield-moss

Genetic Information

  • The moss Tetraphis pellucida Peristome nad7 petN Phylogeny Organellar genomes, although present in all other major moss lineages, including Buxbaumia31

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Grows on decaying wood which is an important habitat.
  • Spores are ejected from the tip of the damp capsule when tapped.

Conservation Status

  • Buxbaumia viridis is considered endangered across Europe.
  • Listed as rare, threatened, or endangered in California.
  • Considered an endangered or vulnerable species in all countries.

Resources and Further Information

  • Taxonomic Serial No.: 547649.
  • CNPS Inventory of Rare and Endangered Plants.
  • ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System).
  • USDA Plants Database.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.