No images found for this plant ID: 8829.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "8829" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

campylopus moss

Scientific Name: Campylopus subulatus

Family: Dicranaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Campylopus introflexus

Also known as Heath Star-moss, Campylopus introflexus is a species of moss with a distinctive appearance.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Campylopus introflexus (Hedw.) Brid.
  • Family: Dicranaceae
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Common Name: Heath star moss
  • Synonyms: (The provided text does not list specific synonyms beyond the scientific name, but notes "Synonyms" suggesting they exist.)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Campylopus introflexus is native to the southern hemisphere, specifically southern South America.
  • It has become an invasive species in Europe and North America.
  • It thrives in acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils with sparse vegetation, such as coastal dune systems.
  • It has also been found growing in cracks in slate roofs.
  • Documented in locations such as Germany, Netherlands, Lithuania, and Iceland.

Ecological Role

  • Campylopus introflexus is considered an invasive species.
  • Its spread can endanger natural vegetation.
  • It is adapted to acidic and nutrient-poor sandy soils, allowing it to colonize disturbed areas.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It forms dark green or almost black patches that appear hoary (grayish-white) when dry.
  • Stems may grow up to 5 cm long.

Biochemical Characteristics

  • It has been found to produce isoprene. Biochemical characterization of an isoprene synthase from Campylopus introflexus (heath star moss).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • In peatlands, fungal diversity can be impacted by the presence of invasive Campylopus introflexus, and other plants.

Resources and Further Information

  • USDA, NRCS. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
  • Encyclopedia of Life
  • British Database of World Flora