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ceratodon moss

Scientific Name: Ceratodon purpureus var. purpureus

Family: Ditrichaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Ceratodon purpureus: The Fascinating Fire Moss

Ceratodon purpureus, commonly known as fire moss, redshank, or ceratodon moss, is a globally distributed moss species celebrated for its vibrant coloration and adaptability.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid.
  • Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
  • Synonyms: Dicranum purpureum, Ceratodon purpurascens, Ceratodon purpureus var. purpurascens.
  • Subspecies: Ceratodon purpureus ssp. stenocarpus (Bruch &amp Schimp.) Dix.
  • The genus name Ceratodon originates from the Latin word "cerato," meaning "horn-shaped," referring to the horn-like peristome teeth on the moss capsule. The species name purpureus is Latin for "purple." Other common name includes Purple Horn Toothed Moss

Description and Morphology

  • Ceratodon purpureus is a dioicous moss, meaning it has separate male and female plants.
  • Its color varies from yellow-green to red, sometimes appearing purplish-brown.
  • Shoots typically reach a height of up to 3 cm.
  • It forms cushions or patches, and its leaves are described as shiny.
  • The moss grows upright in dense mound colonies and feels like velvet to the touch.
  • Identification often relies on the strumose and sulcate, lightly curved capsule.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Ceratodon purpureus is found worldwide.
  • It has been observed in locations such as Caledonia, Marion County, Ohio.

Ecological Role

  • The text suggests it is a cosmopolitan moss.

Genetic and Cytological Information

  • Ceratodon purpureus has been used as a model system to discover novel genes because it can tolerate induced mutations.
  • It has a chromosome number of n = 13. This information was used to create a linkage map.
  • Research has been conducted on the UV sex chromosomes of this moss to understand evolutionary processes.

Quirky Facts

  • The plant is also commonly referred to as "fire moss" because of its vibrant red sporophytes.
  • Ceratodon purpureus has been used as a model system to discover novel genes because it can tolerate induced mutations.
  • Research has shown that it is negatively gravitropic.

Further Resources

  • TSN 16864 in an unspecified database.
  • Allen, B. 2002. Moss flora of Central America, Part 2. Encalyptaceae--Orthotrichaceae. Monogr. Syst. Bot. Missi Bot. Gard.