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campylopus moss
Scientific Name: Campylopus pilifer
Family: Dicranaceae
Category: Moss
Growth: Nonvascular
Duration:
Other Names:
Heath Star-moss (Campylopus introflexus)
Campylopus introflexus, commonly known as heath star-moss, is a species of moss belonging to the family Dicranaceae.
Considerations for Pets
- This moss can form dense patches and carpets, which might be of interest to animals.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid.
- Family: Dicranaceae
- Order: Dicranales
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Common Name: Heath star-moss
- Synonyms: (Not explicitly listed but the text refers to variations in scientific names.)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to the southern hemisphere, particularly southern South America.
- An invasive species found in Europe (first recorded in 1941) and North America (first recorded in 1975).
- Found in various locations, including the Danish coastal dune system, Lithuania, central Europe, Germany, Iceland, and Overijssel in the Netherlands.
- Adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils with sparse vegetation.
- Also found in geothermal areas, such as Mount Erebus and Mount Melbne in Victoria Land, and Reykjanes in southwestern Iceland.
- Occasionally found growing at the base of Bermuda Palmetto trees in Paget Marsh (Bermuda) where *Bermuda Campylopus* also thrives.
Ecological Role
- Considered an alien invasive species.
- Can endanger natural vegetation.
- Its encroachment can affect day-active species.
- Adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils.
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.
- Black fish hook moss has greenish-black to golden brown plants that grow upright to 1-5 cm tall. The stems are usually unbranched and bear reddish filaments.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Impacts fungal diversity and seasonal succession in disturbed peatlands.