#hypnum

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Moss Leaf / Hypnum cupressiforme - 1000x microscope

[cedar-glade]

Hypnum impomens, a pleurocarpous moss, or rather, a brocade pleurocarpous moss. Many guides attempt to brake up bryophytes into groupings based on form and function, sometimes even habitat preference. For mosses, the break up is done into Ascocarps(commonly standing or stalked mosses that form clumps), pleurocarps( commonly matting and creeping low lying mosses that horizontally branch), and Sphagnum groups. Brocade branching is a branching pattern that is often seen in pleurocarpous moss so it is not a good common name for the most part to call a moss “brocade moss” just purely because of the diversity of brocade branching pleurocarps. The word brocade refers to the concept of rising patterns that are intricate sewn in with golden fiber to dresses and shirts. Raised golden intricate patterns are something to me that overlaps often, like many mosses are capable of a golden microphyll tinge and a raised appearance while forming mats.  

The reason why I say commonly when referring to matting groups, is just because, there are plenty of exceptions to this; instead the definition of pleurocarps is delineate when it includes the fruiting body(carp). Pleurocarps have their spore capsules (those operculate and semi operculate capsules) capped with a double peristome( those feathery teeth things you see under a hand lense if examining the capsule), This still can be hard to dilineate though as many seem to not have noticeable double peristome. Instead, it’s best to use the two ideas combine/ or in conjunction with each other or to use a key and bring a specimen cutting home to the scope. 

 The stype/seta holding the capsule/calyptra (sporophore(phore means thing that holds) of the sporophyte(spore production stage of organism) is formed on a short branched side of the gametophytic(the leafy body) stage of the pleurocarp in question. Remember that sporophytes are 2n in this context as they have to create haploid spores(n) in order to form a gametophyte(N)  due to small leaf size, many pleurocarps require a specimen to be collected and viewed under scope to see the microphyll(foliage with one main vascular or vascular like structure) morphology to narrow down to species. This species though, is an outlier. Red stemmed brook or brocade or feather moss is fairly common and has some easily distinguishable red to redish brown features and light yellow to green microphylls. The structure is similar to knights plume Ptilium spp. in branching but it does not have whispy microphyll nor does it resemble the Thudium spp. since the branching is narrow  and condensed instead of progressing into christmas tree like growths. Pleurozium spp. and Bryhnia spp. are usually more appressed with their growth than draping and overlapping and most Helodium spp. and Hylocomium spp. are a bit more condensed with their microphyll imbrication. as for Calliergon spp. it’s more aggressively squarrose with it’s imbrication. Rhytidiadelphus spp. always seem less evenly dispersed and random with the ways they want to branch. 

I will not lie these are complicated, and Im still very much practicing the memorization of these patterns so I can I ball them properly if need be; but, at least as far as Hypnum impomens goes, there is not an issue for my region.

RRG, KY ravine, growing on decaying log. 

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#2552 - Cypress-leaved Plait-Moss - Hypnum cupressiforme

Either that or there are some very busy gnomes around St Arnaud braiding the moss.

Named after the Greek god of sleep, Hypnos, because it used to be used for pillow and mattress-stuffing.

A highly variable and common moss found in all continents except Antarctica, growing on tree trunks, logs, walls, rocks and other surfaces. It prefers acidic conditions and is reasonably tolerant of pollution.

St Arnaud, Soutern Alps, New Zealand

[drhoz]

Spring has officially sprung! It's been really nice outside and I just had to get out of the studio and bring you some candid content, from the outdoors. I've also pretty much depleted my moss reserves, so this is the perfect opportunity to stock up. Let's get mossy! I know this one doesn't go as in depth on identifying moss as some of you may have liked, but I quickly realized this would have way more of a project than I anticipated, if I had. That said, I'll definitely do a dedicated video on it when I can find the time. Until then, I hope that the tips I gave in this video will help you at least get started. For those of you wondering, most and I mean most mosses will work in a terrarium or vivarium. The propagation method that's linked below closely resembles that of a terrarium. With it, I've been able to grow everything except for some (not all) haircap and pillow mosses. That's why I don't recommend them. Additionally, the only one from this video that's hit or miss is hypnum moss. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I pretty much always has success with the others though. Propagate Moss: • How to Propagate Your Own Moss I get asked a lot how to grow moss and I usually reference that video because there's not much to it. Light + Water = Happy Patches of Moss! Don't over think it. Aside from thoroughly cleaning them before use and trimming over time, there's not much else I do for them other than that. More light and more water is better than not enough. However, mosses are very resilient and will adapt to various conditions, regardless of the type. I think that about covers everything I can think of for the moment. If you have any further questions, be sure to leave a comment and I'll do my best to get back to you! Also for additional content like this, photos of my terrariums, projects sneak peeks and more, follow me on Instagram @SerpaDesign. / serpadesign

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Hypnum impomens forming a matting structure along a log in a tributary before it dropped off a few hundred feet into the Indian Creek of Red River Gorge . matting black veined feather moss or black veined fern moss are two common names that refer to a diagnostic feature that is apparent among this commonplace moss. Despite how common this species is and the diagnostic feautres it can be easily mistaken for a moss that grows along pin cushion and broom mosses at the forest floor.  chalk comb moss, Ctenedium molluscum.

[drhoz]

Cypress-leaved plait-moss (Hypnum cupressiforme) is a widespread soft moss that was once used as a filling for mattresses and pillows. This plant is named "Cypress-leaved" because of the resemblance of its foliage to that of the unrelated cypress tree. This creeping and mat-forming moss is well suited to ornamental growth in terrariums.