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campylopus moss
Scientific Name: Campylopus atrovirens
Family: Dicranaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Campylopus introflexus: Heath Star-moss
Campylopus introflexus, commonly known as Heath Star-moss, is a fascinating moss species with an intriguing story of dispersal and adaptation.
Considerations for Pets
- This moss often forms dense patches, which might be attractive to pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid.
- Common Name: Heath Star-moss
- Family: Dicranaceae
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms: Bermuda Campylopus (potentially, but this also refers to a moss endemic to Bermuda)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southern hemisphere, including southern South America.
- Now an invasive species in Europe and North America.
- Found in various locations, including:
- Danish coastal dune systems
- Lithuania
- Poland
- Germany (e.g., North Rhine-Westphalia, NSG Elbtalduenen)
- Iceland (Reykjanes geothermal area)
- Western North America
- Hawaii
- Adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils with sparse vegetation.
Ecological Role
- An invasive species impacting natural vegetation in various regions, including central Europe.
- Can endanger natural vegetation.
- Its encroachment can influence the activity of other species.
Morphological Characteristics
- Forms dark green or almost black patches that appear hoary when dry.
- Stems may grow up to 5 cm long.
- Dry hair points are reflexed
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Can be found growing at the base of Bermuda Palmetto trees (in the case of Bermuda Campylopus).
- Fungal diversity and seasonal succession are impacted under invasive Campylopus introflexus.
Quirky Facts
- Campylopus introflexus was first observed in Europe in 1941 and in North America in 1975, indicating a rapid spread across continents.
- It has even been found growing in cracks in slate roofs.
- Has shown to be found in moss carpets at high-temperature geothermal areas in south-western Iceland.
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, a related species)