Grimmia pulvinata

Grimmia pulvinata, otherwise known as grey-cushioned grimmia[1] or pulvinate dry rock moss,[2] is a bryophyte moss common in temperate climates worldwide.

Grimmia pulvinata
Grimmia pulvinata, showing silvery lanceolate leaves
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Dicranidae
Order: Grimmiales
Family: Grimmiaceae
Genus: Grimmia
Species:
G. pulvinata
Binomial name
Grimmia pulvinata
(Hedw.) Sm.

Characteristics

Grimmia pulvinata grows in small cushion-like shaped, around 1-2 centimeters tall. Its color ranges from a grey-green to an orange-yellow.[3] Its leaves are lanceolate, being broad and oval shaped at the base and very narrow toward the tip.[4] 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.[3]

Habitat

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.[5]

However, it prefers surfaces such as old mortar and tree trunks.[6]

Distribution

Grimmia pulvinata is the most common species in the genus Grimmia, with a nearly worldwide distribution.[5] It is particularly common in Britain[7] and the west coast of North America.[8] It primarily lives in temperate regions, from sea level to elevations up to 9800 feet.[5]

Ecological role

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.[4] In addition, its resistance to pollution allows it to colonize urban areas such as roofs, walls, and tarmac.[3]

References
  1. Edwards, Sean R. (2012). English Names for British Bryophytes. British Bryological Society Special Volume. 5 (4 ed.). Wootton, Northampton: British Bryological Society. ISBN 978-0-9561310-2-7. ISSN 0268-8034.
  2. "Grimmia pulvinata". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
  3. "Grey-cushioned Grimmia (Grimmia pulvinata)". One With Nature. 2014-01-26. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  4. "World Checklist - Grimmias of the World". www.grimmiasoftheworld.com. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  5. Webmaster, David Ratz. "Grimmia pulvinata - Montana Field Guide". Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  6. "Grimmia pulvinata in Bryophyte Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  7. "Grey-cushioned Grimmia - Grimmia pulvinata | NatureSpot". www.naturespot.org.uk. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
  8. "California Moss eFlora treatment for Grimmia pulvinata". ucjeps.berkeley.edu. Retrieved 2017-04-21.
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