Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions0.5 x 5.5 x 5 cm (3/16 x 2 3/16 x 1 15/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.28

DescriptionA light green sample of dried Calliergonella cuspidata [Hedw.] Loeske moss mixed with other pieces of organic matter. Moss has long, thin stems with short branches and small, triangular shaped leaves. Stems in the middle of the sample are a brown colour while around the outer edge the stems are light green, to yellow-green. Branches on the stems are get shorter towards the outer edge. Sample is vaguely circular in shape. Other plant matter/debis (grass, twigs) present in envelope.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Hypnales
Family: Hypnaceae
Genus: Calliergonella
Species: Calliergonella cuspidata [Hedw.] Loeske

Narrative

Collected September 21, 2007 by Glen Kelly from Doc's Marsh, Forest Hill, King's County, PEI (46°2'?42.18"N, 62°31'40.98"W, Datum: NAD83). Collected from a bog growing on cattail (Typha latifolia) plant.

Calliergonella cuspidate grows in loose tufts of mats up to 7 cm long. It has erect, branched stems which are flattened at the cross section. The stem tips are smooth and taper to a sharp point. Stems are usually red in colour but may vary when poorly developed in semi-shade. The leaves are oval shaped with double costa which taper to a sharp tip. The leaves are densely packed and overlap, like scales. It grows in moist, open environments such as wetlands, roadsides and lawns. It will also grow in wet environments such as pools, quarries, and marshes.

Geographically Calliergonella cuspidate can be found throughout North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands including New Zealand. It is common in each of the Maritime provinces.

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