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Calliergon cordifolium: Heart-leaved Spear-moss

Calliergon cordifolium, commonly known as calliergon moss, is a species of moss belonging to the Amblystegiaceae family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calliergon cordifolium (Hedw.) Kindb.
• Common Names: calliergon moss, Heart-leaved Spear-moss
• Family: Amblystegiaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae - based on it being a plant)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Order: Hypnales
• Synonyms:
  • Acrocladium cordifolium (Hedw.) P. Rich.
  • Hypnum cordifolium Hedw.
• Varieties: Calliergon cordifolium var. fontinaloides (J. Lange) G. Roth

Calliergon giganteum: Giant Calliergon Moss

Calliergon giganteum, commonly known as giant calliergon moss, giant spearmoss, or arctic moss, is another species in the same genus often mentioned in relation to Calliergon cordifolium.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calliergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb.
• Common Names: giant calliergon moss, giant spearmoss, arctic moss, giant water-moss
• Family: Amblystegiaceae
• Kingdom: (Implied: Plantae - based on it being a plant)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Order: Hypnales
• Varieties: Calliergon giganteum var. immersum Ruthe ex Karcz.
• Synonym: Calliergon richardsonii var. robustum (Lindb. & Arnell) Broth. emend. Karcz.

Distribution and Habitat

• Calliergon giganteum grows in the arctic tundra, a cold environment in the Northern Hemisphere within the arctic circle.
• It is an aquatic plant found on lake beds.

Morphological Characteristics

• Calliergon cordifolium has erect, little-branched shoots.
• It is described as a medium-sized to large moss.
• Calliergon giganteum has no wood stems.

Ecological Role

• In the arctic, Calliergon giganteum covers the ground, warming it up and allowing other plants to grow.
• It is eaten by migrating animals.