Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions0.5 x 4 x 8.5 cm (3/16 x 1 9/16 x 3 3/8 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.37

DescriptionA dried sample of Mnium hornum Hedw. moss. Sample has short branches with frilled leaves along the entire length. The base of the samples are brown and mixed with speckled sediment. The branches vary from yellow-green to brown-green in colour. The reverse of the sample is mostly brown sediment. The sample has a branching portion which is very loosely attached to the main portion.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Bryales
Family: Mniaceae
Genus: Mnium Hedw.
Species: Mnium hornum Hedw.

Narrative

Collected on February 22, 2008, by Glen Kelly and Rosemary Curley from "Murphy's Rock" on the Pisquid River, Elliotvale, Kings County, PEI (46°21'15.52"N,62°30'16.13"W. Datum: NAD83). Collected from a sandstone cliff.

\Mnium hornum Hedw. is a common moss with dull, dark green leaves. The leaves oblong shaped, 4-8mm long with paired teeth along the leaves boarder which distinguishing Mnium hornum Hedw from other species. The leaves grow parallel to each other and taper to a point. Stems grow 2-4mm tall and are reddish brown colour. The stems are also densely covered in small hairs. It reproduces through dioicous with 5mm long spore capsules are produced by female plants. Mnium hornum grows in damp woodlands and is common in acidic soil, along stream banks, rocks, tree bases, and on fallen logs. It can often be found in in sandy soil and in rock crevices.

Geographically mnium hornum is found throughout North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. It is common throughout the three Maritime provinces, but is less so in Prince County, PEI.

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