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Immature shoot of Leucolepis acanthoneura with antheridia cup. This moss is definitely special. Mature shoots look like Climacium sp. moss, while immature ones making me thinking of Plagomnium sp.
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Barisciano, Abruzzi, Italy
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Rhodobryum ontariense (Kindb.) Kindb., syn.: Rhodobryum spathulatum (Hornsch.) PoesEN: Rose-moss, DE: Rosenmoss, Ontario-Rosenmoos, Slo.: ?Dat.: Nov. 9. 2018Lat.: 46,358914 Long.: 13,699772Code: Bot_1162/2018_DSC3920Habitat: Light mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica, Picea abies, Fraxinus ornus, Ostrya carpinifolia dominant trees; slightly inclined mountain slope, south aspect; relatively dry and warm place; in half shade; calcareous, colluvial, skeletal ground; partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 600 m (2.000 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: thin soil layer on calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, between villages Soa and Trenta, next to the trail from Strgulc abandoned farm house to Trenta 2b cottage, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Rhodobryum ontariense is a very beautiful and quite distinct moss. Its relatively large, terminal 'rosettes' of leaves (more than 1 cm in diameter), which develop on top of short steams resemble green roses (see its names). To recognize genus is not difficult, however, on species level there exist two of them, which are very similar - Rhodobryum ontariense first described in America at the end of 19th century and Rhodobryum roseum first described in Europe approximately at the same time. Later both names have long been considered as synonyms. Rhodobryum roseum has been commonly thought to be a species widely distributed in the temperate and boreal zones of the Northern Hemisphere including Europe, North America, and some areas in Asia. Only in 1972 a thorough revision of the genus (Ref.: 7) separated them again into two species. Rhodobryum ontariense can be distinguished from Rhodobryum roseum by its smaller size (Rhodobryum ontariense is 2 - 3 cm tall and Rhodobryum roseum 5-6(10) cm (Ref.: 3)). The measured height of this find was from 1.5 to 2 cm. The number of leaves in the rosette is another distinguishing trait. Rhodobryum ontariense has 18 -52 leaves in each and Rhodobryum roseum from 16 to 21 leaves. In this find rosettes with more than 40 leaves were frequent. Also preferred substratum and habitat differ. Rhodobryum ontariense prefers dryer places and grows predominantly on calcareous rocks, while Rhodobryum roseum prefers moister places and is found mostly on soil (Ref.: 3). All this speaks in favor of Rhodobryum ontariense. Sporocarps are not distinctive and they anyhow develop very rarely. I haven't seen them yet.Ref.:(1) V. Wirth, R. Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 255.(2) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 600(3) M. Nebel, G.P hilippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Verlag Eugen Ulmer, Vol: 2. (2001), p 103.(4) W. Rothmaler, Exkursionsflora von Deutschland, Niedere Pflanzen, Band 1, 3.Aufl., Spectrum Akademischer Verlag (2005), p 743.(5)
ohiomosslichen.org/moss-rhodobryum-ontariense/ (accessed Nov. 13. 2018)(6) Z. Iwatsuki and T. Koponen, On the taxonomy and distribution of Rhodobryum roseum and its related species (Bryophyta), Acta Botanica Fennica 96 (1972); accessible at:
scholar.google.si/scholar?q=Iwatsuki+1972+Rhodobryum&... (accessed Nov. 13. 2018)
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Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid.Family: DitrichaceaeEN: Redshank, Fire Moss, Purple Horn Toothed Moss, DE: Purpurstieliges HornzahnmossSlo.: krlatni rogatecIn fairly dry state and fertile.Dat.: June 8. Lat.: 46.360133 Long.: 13.69954Code: Bot_1380/2021_DSC3520 Habitat: Abandoned alpine pasture; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial, skeletal ground with very thin soil layer; open, dry, sunny place; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 640 m (2.100 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: gravelly and sandy soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Na Melu place, near the abandoned farmhouse Strgulc, Trenta 47, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment (pertains to the pictures of the Flicker album Ceratodon purpureus): Ceratodon purpureus is a very common moss and a true cosmopolitan species. It is found worldwide. It loves dry, low competition and high light places, but inhabits also many different, natural and man-made substrates, some of them quite exotic like old skulls of animals and old boots. Ceratodon purpureus is able to tolerate much higher pollution levels than most other mosses. It is very variable, particularly in color. However, red color is most often dominant (see pictures 4. and 7.) except when it is very moist and without red setae. Then it is vividly green (see pictures 8. and 10.). It is about 3 cm high and usually abundantly fertile. One can recognize it by narrowly triangular leaves, which have strongly recurved margins almost from the base to the tip and a strong nerve extending just to the tip of the leaf. The leaf cells are nearly square. The setae are red and the capsules are strongly furrowed when dry (see picture 5b.). Ref.:(1) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 234.(2) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 354(3) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 199.(4) M. Lth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Vol.2., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 365.
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Paluma, Queensland, Australia
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Victoria, Australia
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Funaria hygrometrica, Hedwig, syn.: Funaria sphaerocarpa Mll.Hal.Family: FunariaceaeEN: Common Cord-moss, Bonfire Moss, Funaria Moss DE: Wetteranzeigendes Drehmoos, Echtes DrehmoosSlo.: navadni vlagomerDat.: May 4. 2021Lat.: 46.35938 Long.: 13.69991Code: Bot_1365/2021_DSC2499 Habitat: Abandoned outdoor fire place near a former farmhouse; pasture, now partly overgrown with bushes (Corylus avellana dominant) and scattered trees (Fraxinus ornus, Ostrya carpinifolia dominant); calcareous ground; locally almost flat terrain; warm, sunny, dry place; exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 615 m (2020 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: soil mixed with residue charcoal.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa; between villages Soa and Trenta; near Soa 48 abandoned cottage, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Funaria hygrometrica is a colonist of bare, disturbed soils; it can be frequently found on abandoned outdoor fireplaces and bonfire sites. It frequently forms extensive carpets, which are rather loose than dense. The species is easy to be recognized if sporophytes (stalks bearing capsules containing spores when ripe) are present and this is very often the case. If the plants are sterile, determination becomes much more difficult. The most characteristic are swan-neck shaped seta (stalks), which are much, much longer than tiny green part of the plant and by delicate, intensely asymmetric calyptra (thin, pointing, 'protecting' shields of the young capsules, which fall of before the capsules become mature). Each capsule stalk is moisture sensitive, curling when dry and unwinding when wet (note the Latin species name 'hygrometrica' measuring air humidity). Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 561. (2) M. Nebel, G. Philippi, eds., Die Mosse Baden-Wurttembergs, Band 1., (2000), Ulmer, p 475. (3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 250.
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Pentland Hills, Victoria, Australia
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Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.
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Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.), syn.: Dicranum glaucum (Hedw.),EN: Pincushion Moss, White Cushion Moss, White Moss, DE: Gemeines WeimoosSlo.: sinje bledi mah, beli mah, beluhDat.: Aug. 18. 2018Lat.: 46.362417 Long.: 13.699617Code: Bot_1152/2018_DSC04803 Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatic and Picea abies dominant trees; at the foot of a mountain; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; mostly in shade; quite humid place; partly protected to direct rain; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 700 m (2.300 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: forest soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley between villages Soa and Trenta; right bank of river Soa; below Stemerica place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Leucobryum glaucum is a very beautiful moss. Its distinct, quite large, 'velvety', intensive light green cushions (when moist, otherwise more whitish) are almost impossible to miss. Sometimes the cushions are in the form of more or less confluent shallow cushions, sometimes in the form of standalone, perfectly round half-domes. There exists a very similar species - Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) Mll. Hal. and confusion is not impossible. It is smaller (its English common name is 'Smaller White Moss' (Ref.5)) than Leucobryum glaucum. The best and most constant difference between both species are differently shaped sporophytes. Unfortunately, they are very, very rare nowadays. I haven't seen them yet. Sterile specimens are obviously more difficult to be recognized. Nevertheless, the cushions of Leucobryum glaucum are usually significantly larger and thicker than of Leucobryum juniperoideum (Ref:2, Ref:6). The cushions found in this observation were much larger (up to 50 x 45 cm and almost 30 cm thick) than what is assumed to be characteristic for Leucobryum juniperoideum (up to 6 cm in diameter (Ref:2)). Quite moist soil in a mixed forest of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica is also much more characteristic habitat for Leucobryum glaucum (Ref:6) than for Leucobryum juniperoideum, which grows mostly on non-basic rocks (Ref:.2). In addition, Leucobryum juniperoideum is listed in Slovenian Red list of Bryophytes and considered a rare species (marked by R). So, I believe Leucobryum glaucum is correct determination.Ref.:(1 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 403.(2) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 131.(3) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 237.(4)
www.illinoiswildflowers.info/mosses/plants/pincushion.html (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(5)
species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0000310177 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(6) J.P. Frahm, Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) C.Mll. in North America, Archive for bryology, 84 (2011); available at:
publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/y... (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(7)
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/jbr.1972.7.1.1 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)
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2011-07-17 Lower Austria, district Neunkirchen (780 msm Quadrant 8261/1).German name (moss): EtagenmoosThis moss is growing in "storeys" (hence the German name - "Etage" = storey), here right in the stream, on rocks.The shot was taken above the Fadenbach waterfall
shown here.
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Hylocomium splendens, syn: Hylocomium proliferum, Hypnum splendensE: Glittering Wood-moss, DE: EtagenmossSI: bleee sedjeDat.: Nov. 17. 2012Lat.: 46.35952 Long.: 13.69819Code: Bot_679/2012_IMG2046 Habitat: Mixed wood, under Picea abies, rocky, almost flat terrain, limestone bedrock, humid place, in half-shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 620 m (1.770 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: rocks and ground soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley, west of Na Melu place, near Strgulc abandoned farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC Comment: Growing in large patches among larger rocks and trees. Branch leafs have no nerves. This is a quite common but large and beautiful moss with characteristic red stems. Capsules are uncommon and I havent seen them yet.Ref.:(1) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 304. (2 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 821. (3) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1.2.3. (2000, 2001, 2005), p 517. (4) B.Marbach, C.Kainz, Moose, Farne und Flechten, BLV (2002), p 56.
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Tortella tortuosa (Hedw.) Limpr., syn.: Tortula tortuosa Hedw., Barbula tortuosa (Hedw.) F.Weber & D.Mohr, Tortella bambergeri auct., Barbula brotheri (Lindb. ex Broth.) ParisFamily: PottiaceaeEN: Frizzled Crisp-moss, Tortured tortella moss, DE: Gekruseltes Spiralzahnmoos, Echtes Kruselmoos, Gewelltes SpiralzahnmoosSlo.: valovita zvitkaDat.: April 23. 2021Lat.: 46.35910 Long.: 13.70411Code: Bot_1361/2021_2158 Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, skeletal ground with scattered rocks and large boulders; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: Half buried calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, between villages Soa and Trenta; Matev's gorge, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comments (pertain to pictures in Flicker album Tortella tortuosa): The rounded, dense, when moist vividly yellowish-green, cushions or mats of Tortella tortuosa are beautiful and easy to recognize. The species is widespread and in many places common. It is a Boreo-temperate circumpolar element (growing all around the north hemisphere in forests with moderate to cold climate). Its leaves are extremely tortured and look like 'interwoven'. In the Alps the moss can be found from colline to nival elevations but it is most common in montane and alpine zones. Capsules are relatively seldom reported.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 428. (2) V. Wirth, R. Dell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 239.(3) V. Wirth, Die Mooose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil.1., Ulmer (2000), p 369.(4)
bryophyteportal.org/portal/taxa/index.php?tid=161155# (accessed Dec. 1. 2021)(5) Watson, L., and Dallwitz, M.J. 2005 onwards. The moss families (Bryophyta, Musci) of Britain and Ireland. Version: 5th August 2019, delta-intkey.com (accessed Dec. 1. 2021)(6) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 551.
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Barisciano, Abruzzi, Italy
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Derwent Bridge, Tasmania, Australia
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Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid.Family: DitrichaceaeEN: Redshank, Fire Moss, Purple Horn Toothed Moss, DE: Purpurstieliges HornzahnmossSlo.: krlatni rogatecDat.: June 8. Lat.: 46.360133 Long.: 13.69954Code: Bot_1380/2021_DSC3520 Habitat: Abandoned alpine pasture; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial, skeletal ground with very thin soil layer; open, dry, sunny place; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 640 m (2.100 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: gravelly and sandy soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Na Melu place, near the abandoned farmhouse Strgulc, Trenta 47, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment (pertains to the pictures of the Flicker album Ceratodon purpureus): Ceratodon purpureus is a very common moss and a true cosmopolitan species. It is found worldwide. It loves dry, low competition and high light places, but inhabits also many different, natural and man-made substrates, some of them quite exotic like old skulls of animals and old boots. Ceratodon purpureus is able to tolerate much higher pollution levels than most other mosses. It is very variable, particularly in color. However, red color is most often dominant (see pictures 4. and 7.) except when it is very moist and without red setae. Then it is vividly green (see pictures 8. and 10.). It is about 3 cm high and usually abundantly fertile. One can recognize it by narrowly triangular leaves, which have strongly recurved margins almost from the base to the tip and a strong nerve extending just to the tip of the leaf. The leaf cells are nearly square. The setae are red and the capsules are strongly furrowed when dry (see picture 5b.). Ref.:(1) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 234.(2) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 354(3) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 199.(4) M. Lth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Vol.2., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 365.
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Paluma, Queensland, Australia
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Funaria hygrometrica, Hedwig, syn.: Funaria sphaerocarpa Mll.Hal.Family: FunariaceaeEN: Common Cord-moss, Bonfire Moss, Funaria Moss DE: Wetteranzeigendes Drehmoos, Echtes DrehmoosSlo.: navadni vlagomerDat.: May 4. 2021Lat.: 46.35938 Long.: 13.69991Code: Bot_1365/2021_DSC2499 Habitat: Abandoned outdoor fire place near a former farmhouse; pasture, now partly overgrown with bushes (Corylus avellana dominant) and scattered trees (Fraxinus ornus, Ostrya carpinifolia dominant); calcareous ground; locally almost flat terrain; warm, sunny, dry place; exposed to direct rain, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 615 m (2020 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: soil mixed with residue charcoal.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa; between villages Soa and Trenta; near Soa 48 abandoned cottage, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Funaria hygrometrica is a colonist of bare, disturbed soils; it can be frequently found on abandoned outdoor fireplaces and bonfire sites. It frequently forms extensive carpets, which are rather loose than dense. The species is easy to be recognized if sporophytes (stalks bearing capsules containing spores when ripe) are present and this is very often the case. If the plants are sterile, determination becomes much more difficult. The most characteristic are swan-neck shaped seta (stalks), which are much, much longer than tiny green part of the plant and by delicate, intensely asymmetric calyptra (thin, pointing, 'protecting' shields of the young capsules, which fall of before the capsules become mature). Each capsule stalk is moisture sensitive, curling when dry and unwinding when wet (note the Latin species name 'hygrometrica' measuring air humidity). Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 561. (2) M. Nebel, G. Philippi, eds., Die Mosse Baden-Wurttembergs, Band 1., (2000), Ulmer, p 475. (3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 250.
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Pentland Hills, Victoria, Australia
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Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.
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Leucobryum glaucum (Hedw.), syn.: Dicranum glaucum (Hedw.),EN: Pincushion Moss, White Cushion Moss, White Moss, DE: Gemeines WeimoosSlo.: sinje bledi mah, beli mah, beluhDat.: Aug. 18. 2018Lat.: 46.362417 Long.: 13.699617Code: Bot_1152/2018_DSC04803 Habitat: mixed wood, Fagus sylvatic and Picea abies dominant trees; at the foot of a mountain; slightly inclined mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; mostly in shade; quite humid place; partly protected to direct rain; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 6-8 deg C, elevation 700 m (2.300 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: forest soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley between villages Soa and Trenta; right bank of river Soa; below Stemerica place, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Leucobryum glaucum is a very beautiful moss. Its distinct, quite large, 'velvety', intensive light green cushions (when moist, otherwise more whitish) are almost impossible to miss. Sometimes the cushions are in the form of more or less confluent shallow cushions, sometimes in the form of standalone, perfectly round half-domes. There exists a very similar species - Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) Mll. Hal. and confusion is not impossible. It is smaller (its English common name is 'Smaller White Moss' (Ref.5)) than Leucobryum glaucum. The best and most constant difference between both species are differently shaped sporophytes. Unfortunately, they are very, very rare nowadays. I haven't seen them yet. Sterile specimens are obviously more difficult to be recognized. Nevertheless, the cushions of Leucobryum glaucum are usually significantly larger and thicker than of Leucobryum juniperoideum (Ref:2, Ref:6). The cushions found in this observation were much larger (up to 50 x 45 cm and almost 30 cm thick) than what is assumed to be characteristic for Leucobryum juniperoideum (up to 6 cm in diameter (Ref:2)). Quite moist soil in a mixed forest of Picea abies and Fagus sylvatica is also much more characteristic habitat for Leucobryum glaucum (Ref:6) than for Leucobryum juniperoideum, which grows mostly on non-basic rocks (Ref:.2). In addition, Leucobryum juniperoideum is listed in Slovenian Red list of Bryophytes and considered a rare species (marked by R). So, I believe Leucobryum glaucum is correct determination.Ref.:(1 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 403.(2) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1. (2000), p 131.(3) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 237.(4)
www.illinoiswildflowers.info/mosses/plants/pincushion.html (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(5)
species.nbnatlas.org/species/NHMSYS0000310177 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(6) J.P. Frahm, Leucobryum juniperoideum (Brid.) C.Mll. in North America, Archive for bryology, 84 (2011); available at:
publikationen.ub.uni-frankfurt.de/frontdoor/index/index/y... (accessed Sept.1. 2018)(7)
www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/jbr.1972.7.1.1 (accessed Sept.1. 2018)
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2011-07-17 Lower Austria, district Neunkirchen (780 msm Quadrant 8261/1).German name (moss): Etagenmoos
See remarks here.
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Hylocomium splendens, syn: Hylocomium proliferum, Hypnum splendensE: Glittering Wood-moss, DE: EtagenmossSI: bleee sedjeDat.: Nov. 17. 2012Lat.: 46.35952 Long.: 13.69819Code: Bot_679/2012_IMG2046 Habitat: Mixed wood, under Picea abies, rocky, almost flat terrain, limestone bedrock, humid place, in half-shade, partly protected from direct rain by tree canopies, average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevation 620 m (1.770 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: rocks and ground soil.Place: Lower Trenta valley, west of Na Melu place, near Strgulc abandoned farm house, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC Comment: Growing in large patches among larger rocks and trees. Branch leafs have no nerves. This is a quite common but large and beautiful moss with characteristic red stems. Capsules are uncommon and I havent seen them yet.Ref.:(1) V.Wirth, R.Dll, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer (2000), p 304. (2 ) I. Atherton, S. Bosanquet, M. Lawley, eds., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland, British Bryological Society, (2010), p 821. (3) M. Nebel, G.Philippi, eds., Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Vol: 1.2.3. (2000, 2001, 2005), p 517. (4) B.Marbach, C.Kainz, Moose, Farne und Flechten, BLV (2002), p 56.