Αρχεία Ημερολογίου για Μάρτιος 2023

Μάρτιος 01, 2023

Wet Log Liverworts and Mosses

One of the best place to find a reliable assemblage of bryophytes is the common damp rotting log along the forest floor. If you are trying the learn basic features and common species, said substrate is a good place to start. All around the decaying bark and wood are a set of microhabitats that dependably host a reliable assortment of mosses and liverworts. The following is a non-exhaustive list of bryophytes common to log microhabitats in the PNW. Each species is linked to "research grade" observations of these taxa in the inaturalist system so you can get a sense of what you are looking for. (l) is liverwort, (m) is moss, t is upright, ~ is prostrate and * connotes asexual reproductive bodies are common.

If you like habitat guides to bryophytes, I cannot recommend @david1945wagner 's guide to Important Bryophyte Habitats of Western Oregon -- broadly applicable to the regions between Northern California up to Coastal Alaska.

Over all exposed surfaces
Hypnum circinale (m)~
Pseudoisothecium stoloniferum (m)~
Scapania bolanderi (l)~
Rhizomnium glabrescens (m)t
Kindbergia oregana (m)~
Plagiothecium undulatum (m)~
Bazzania denudata
(l) (very wet forests)~

Smooth, exposed wood
Lophocolea bidentata (l)~
Scapania umbrosa
(l)~

Decaying wood
Cephalozia bicuspitata (l)~
Calypogeia mulleriana (l)~ *
Fuscocephaloziopsis connivens (l)~
Lepidozia reptans
(l)~

In deeply shaded regions
Tetraphis pellucida (m) t *
Pseudotaxiphyllum elegans
(m)~ *

On cut log ends
Riccardia latifrons (l)~
Cephalozia bicuspitata (l)~

Posted on Μάρτιος 01, 2023 0522 ΜΜ by rambryum rambryum | 5σχόλια | Αφήστε ένα σχόλιο

Μάρτιος 03, 2023

Making Sense of Moss Cushions on Rock

The many cushion mosses on rock can be rather confusing. In trying to figure it out for myself, I have put together this table that might be useful for others. Each species is linked to "research grade" observations in iNaturalist and an illustration from other places on the web (Flora of N. Am, Eflora BC, British Bryological Society Treatments)

Species Leaf Length Margins undulating Clear hairpoint present Contortion in dry state Colour Habitat Other Features Illustrations
Grimmia torquata ~1.5 mm No Present, very small Leaves spirally twisted around stem Dark Green Shaded siliceous rock along vertical faces, sea level to subalpine Forms exceedingly dense cushions Illustration
Anoectangium aestevium <2 mm Absent Absent slightly contorted Bright yellow-green Open calcareous-siliceous rock, Sea level to alpine Bright yellow leaves, relatively uncontorted leaves are unique Illustration
Amphidium californica 2-4 mm No Absent Leaves twisted but not around stem Emerald Green Shaded siliceous rock crevices, Sea level to montane Leaf margin toothed near tip Illustration
Amphidium laponnica 2-3 mm Absent Absent Leaves twisted but not around stem Emerald green Shaded or open silicious rock, Sea level to Subalpine Short sporophytes with ridges capsules common, leaf margins smooth throughout Illustration
Tortella tortuosa 3-7 mm Yes Absent Leaves contorted Brown below, yellow green above Calcareous and silicious rock, occasionally trees, all elevations Forms loose cushions, leaf bases are clear under hand lens Illustration
Gymnostomum aeruginosum ~1 mm Absent Absent Slightly twisted Reddish below, dull green above Calcareous rock, All elevations Capsules often present, lacking teeth Illustration
Hymenostylium recurvoistre ~1 mm Absent Absent Appressed and wavy when dry Light green Calcareous rock, all elevations Typically encrusted with lime Illustration
Hymenoloma crispula 2-3.5 mm Absent Absent Strongly contorted and curled Yellow green Fully Exposed Calcareous and Siliceous Rock, Sea Level to Alpine Tall, slender, erect sporophytes common Illustration
Posted on Μάρτιος 03, 2023 0305 ΠΜ by rambryum rambryum | 1 σχόλιο | Αφήστε ένα σχόλιο