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calliergon moss

Scientific Name: Calliergon megalophyllum

Family: Amblystegiaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Calliergon Mosses

The genus Calliergon, belonging to the family Amblystegiaceae and order Hypnales, encompasses several moss species commonly known as calliergon mosses. This write-up focuses on Calliergon cordifolium and Calliergon giganteum.

Calliergon cordifolium

  • Scientific Name: Calliergon cordifolium (Hedw.) Kindb.
  • Common Names: Calliergon moss, heart-leaved spearmoss
  • Synonyms: Acrocladium cordifolium (Hedw.)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species

Calliergon giganteum

  • Scientific Name: Calliergon giganteum (Schimp.) Kindb.
  • Common Names: Giant spearmoss, giant calliergon moss, arctic moss, giant water-moss
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Variety: Calliergon giganteum var. immersum Ruthe ex Karcz.
  • Synonym: Calliergon richardsonii var. robustum (Lindb. & Arnell) Broth. emend. Karcz.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Calliergon giganteum thrives in the arctic tundra, a cold environment within the Arctic Circle in the Northern Hemisphere. It is often found on lake beds.
  • Calliergon cordifolium can be found in the Netherlands.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Calliergon cordifolium features erect, little-branched shoots.
  • Calliergon giganteum is an aquatic plant with no woody stems.

Ecological Role

  • In the arctic, Calliergon giganteum forms a ground cover that warms the soil, facilitating the growth of other plants. It also serves as a food source for migrating animals.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Calliergon giganteum is eaten by migrating animals in the arctic.

Further Information

  • TSN (Taxonomic Serial Number) for Calliergon cordifolium is 16185.
  • TSN (Taxonomic Serial Number) for Calliergon giganteum is 16188.