#2255 - Triquetrella papillata - Common Twine-moss
AKA Zygodon scaber, Zygodon preissii, Zygodon preissianus, Triquetrella scabra, Triquetrella filiformis, Leskea rubricaulis and Didymodon papillatus. Also known as Sproing Moss, because the leaves immeadiately spring back into a reflexed position when wetted.
The place we stayed at in Taupo had geothermal hot tubs attached to each room, that tapped into the scaldingly hot stream that runs streaming into the lake on the other side of the road. Swimming in that part of the lake can be something of an adventure.
This moss was growing on the footbridge over the stream, and despite the steam coming off the water was looking a little shrivelled. But then it does well in dry areas and is common in Australia and New Zealand where there is a dry, grassy understorey. It can form extensive mats in shade, but is most often found in open colonies creeping through the grass.
Taupo, Taupo Volcanic Zone, New Zealand