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campylopus moss

Scientific Name: Campylopus pyriformis

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 Dicranaceae family. It is also referred to simply as Campylopus moss.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a moss. Mosses growing on stone roofs can establish in cracks.

Considerations for Children

  • This plant is a moss. Mosses growing on stone roofs can establish in cracks.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid.
  • Family: Dicranaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Order: Dicranales
  • Synonyms: Not explicitly stated, but the text mentions "Bermuda Campylopus" and other Campylopus species like Campylopus carolinae, Campylopus fragilis, Campylopus pilifer, Campylopus pyriformis, Campylopus umbellatus, Campylopus flexuosus, Campylopus oerstedianus and Campylopus atrovirens.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the southern hemisphere, specifically southern South America.
  • An alien invasive species found in various locations, including:
    • Europe (e.g., Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Netherlands)
    • North America
    • Germany (e.g., North Rhine-Westphalia)
    • Iceland (Reykjanes geothermal area)
    • Grows on stone roofs in cracks.
  • Adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils with sparse vegetation.

Ecological Role

  • Invasive species endangering natural vegetation in certain regions.
  • Can significantly impact acidic environments.
  • Capable of moss-encroachment.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Forms dark green or almost black patches that appear hoary (grayish-white) when dry.
  • Stems can grow up to 5 cm long.
  • Dry hair points are reflexed.

Quirky Facts

  • Campylopus introflexus spread rapidly across Europe starting in 1941 and North America starting in 1975.

Further Information

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