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campylopus moss

Scientific Name: Campylopus arctocarpus

Family: Dicranaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Campylopus introflexus: Heath Star-moss

Campylopus introflexus, commonly known as Heath Star-moss, is a species of moss with a fascinating history and ecological impact.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of the moss in patches that look hoary when dry. The texture of the dry hair points are reflexed which may cause curiosity in pets.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid.
  • Family: Dicranaceae
  • Order: Dicranales
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Common Name: Heath Star-moss
  • Synonyms: The text does not explicitly list synonyms.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southern hemisphere, particularly southern South America.
  • Now found as an invasive species in Europe and North America.
  • Adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils with sparse vegetation.
  • Observed in coastal dune systems, disturbed peatlands, and even cracks in slate roofs.
  • Also found on geothermal ground, such as in Iceland and near the summits of Mount Erebus and Mount Melbne.
  • Recorded in locations such as Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Ecological Role

  • Considered an alien invasive species in many regions, including Europe and North America.
  • Its presence can endanger natural vegetation.
  • Impacts acidic environments and the performance of seedlings.
  • Moss encroachment can affect day-active species.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Forms dark green or almost black patches that look hoary when dry.
  • Stems may grow up to 5 cm long.
  • Dry hair points are reflexed (bent backwards).
  • Leaves are subulate or lanceolate, with at least 1/3 of the leaf base filled.

Quirky Facts

  • The rapid spread of C. introflexus across continents is noteworthy, colonizing Europe in 1941 and North America in 1975.
  • It has been found growing in cracks on old stone roofs.

Related Species

  • Campylopus carolinae Grout - Carolina campylopus moss.
  • Campylopus fragilis (Brid.) Bruch &amp Schimp. in B.S.G. - fragile campylopus moss.
  • Campylopus pilifer Brid.
  • Campylopus pyriformis
  • Campylopus flexuosus (Hedw.) Brid.
  • Campylopus oerstedianus - Oersted's Campylopus Moss.
  • Campylopus atrovirens de Not.
  • Campylopus umbellatus
  • Campylopus adustus

Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • ARKive (for information on Silky swan-neck moss)