Pulvinate Dry Rock Moss
Grimmia pulvinata (Hedw.) Sm.
Pulvinate Dry Rock Moss: https://marylandbiodiversity.com/species/10879
Synonyms
Grey-cushioned Grimmia  Grimmia pulvinata var. pulvinata  Grimmia trichophylla 
Tags

Source: Wikipedia

Grimmia pulvinata
Grimmia pulvinata, showing silvery lanceolate leaves

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
(Europe regional assessment)

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Dicranidae
Order: Grimmiales
Family: Grimmiaceae
Genus: Grimmia
Species:
G. pulvinata
Binomial name
Grimmia pulvinata

Grimmia pulvinata, otherwise known as grey-cushioned grimmia[3] or pulvinate dry rock moss,[4] is a bryophyte moss common in temperate climates worldwide.

Characteristics

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Grimmia pulvinata grows in a small, cushion-like shape, around 1–2 centimeters tall. Its color ranges from a grey-green to an orange-yellow.[5] Its leaves are lanceolate, being broad and oval-shaped at the base and very narrow toward the tip.[6] They may show a silvery hue near the tip in some specimens. Its capsules are oval-shaped, and bend back into the leaves when the plant is dry, and stand out when it is moist.[5]

Habitat

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Grimmia pulvinata colonizes a variety of surfaces including rocks, concrete, and tree trunks. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels on surfaces, allowing it to live on many types of rock.[7]

However, it prefers surfaces such as old mortar and tree trunks.[8]

Distribution

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Grimmia pulvinata is the most common species in the genus Grimmia, with a nearly worldwide distribution.[7] It is particularly common in Britain[9] and the west coast of North America.[10] It lives primarily in temperate regions, from sea level to elevations up to 9800 feet.[7]

Ecological role

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Grimmia pulvinata is a pioneer species, meaning it is among the first organisms to colonize habitat which has been disturbed by an event such as a forest fire.[6] Its resistance to pollution allows it to colonize urban areas such as roofs, walls, and tarmac.[5]

References

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  1. ^ Sim-Sim, M. (2019). "Grimmia pulvinata (Europe assessment)". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T85843346A87713761. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  2. ^ NatureServe. "Grimmia pulvinata". NatureServe Explorer. Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  3. ^ Edwards, Sean R. (2012). English Names for British Bryophytes. British Bryological Society Special Volume. Vol. 5 (4 ed.). Wootton, Northampton: British Bryological Society. ISBN 978-0-9561310-2-7. ISSN 0268-8034.
  4. ^ NRCS. "Grimmia pulvinata". PLANTS Database. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  5. ^ a b c "Grey-cushioned Grimmia (Grimmia pulvinata)". One With Nature. 2014-01-26. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  6. ^ a b "World Checklist – Grimmias of the World". www.grimmiasoftheworld.com. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  7. ^ a b c Webmaster, David Ratz. "Grimmia pulvinata Montana Field Guide". Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  8. ^ "Grimmia pulvinata in Bryophyte Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  9. ^ "Grey-cushioned Grimmia – Grimmia pulvinata | NatureSpot". www.naturespot.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  10. ^ "California Moss eFlora treatment for Grimmia pulvinata". ucjeps.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2017-04-21.