No images found for this plant ID: 9448.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "9448" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

Safe for Dogs?

Safe for Cats?

Safe for Reptiles?

roundleaf ceratodon moss

Scientific Name: Ceratodon purpureus var. rotundifolius

Family: Ditrichaceae

Category: Moss

Growth: Nonvascular

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Roundleaf Ceratodon Moss

This page provides information about Roundleaf Ceratodon Moss, a fascinating nonvascular plant commonly found in various environments.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Accepted Scientific Name: Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid.
  • Variety: Ceratodon purpureus var. rotundifolius Berggr.
  • Common Names:
    • Roundleaf Ceratodon Moss
    • Ceratodon Moss
    • Fire Moss
    • Purple Horn Moss
    • Red Roof Moss
    • Redshank/Red Shank
    • Fairy Moss
    • Glow Moss

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Division: Bryophyta
  • Family: Ditrichaceae
  • Genus: Ceratodon
  • Synonyms/Alternative Names: Ceratodon heterophyllus Kindb., Ceratodon purpureus var. xanthopus, Ceratodon purpureus var. obtusifolius (Kindb.) Britt.

Distribution and Habitat

Ceratodon purpureus is found worldwide.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Ceratodon purpureus is a dioicous moss, meaning it has separate male and female plants.
  • Its color ranges from yellow-green to red.
  • The height of the moss typically reaches up to 3 centimeters.
  • Antarctic species tend to have hardly any serration at the upper leaf margin and have blunt or round leaf apexes.

Ecological Role

Bryum argentium and Ceratodon purpureus are considered cosmopolitan "weed" species, indicating their widespread presence and ability to colonize various habitats.

Quirky Facts

  • This tiny moss has a brilliant, deep green color with magnificent red sporophytes.
  • When growing in dense mound colonies, it feels like velvet to the touch.

Further Information

  • USDA Plants Database
  • British Database of World Flora and Fauna