Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions0.8 x 6 x 7.5 cm (5/16 x 2 3/8 x 2 15/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.46

DescriptionA small sample of Anomodon attenuatus moss, light green and red-green in colour. The sample has short, furled branches covered in triangular shaped leaves giving the branches an uneven texture. The stems are thin and dark brown in colour. The reverse side is darker in colour with specks of grey-brown sediment(?). Fragments of other organic matter present in sample.

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Hypnales
Family: Anomodontaceae
Genus: Anomodon
Species: Anomodon attenuatus

Narrative

Collected on October 24, 2007, by Rosemary Curley from the Souris Line Road Townshend Woodlot, PEI (46°25'53.22N, 62°16'29.88"W. Datum: NAD83). Collected from an old growth sugar maple with coarse woody debris; on a wood road, center line on a dead stump. Associated plants: Beech, Canadian yew (taxus canadensis), Striped maple (acer pensylvanicum).

Anomodon atenuatus is a perennial, evergreen moss which forms sprawling mats up to 0.5 meters wide. Primary stems grow prostrate, across the ground or tree trunk while secondary stems ascend, drooping slightly to cover an area. Stems grow 3 cm long. Leaves overlap along the entire length of the stem and are 1-2mm long. The older leaves are generally darker than young leaves. It reproduces through dioicous with 2-2.5 mm long capsules on setae 1-1.5cm long. Anomodon atenuatus grows in moist to dry conditions in soil, pockets of debris among rocks, or tree bark.

Anomodon atenuatus can be found throughout North America, Central America, Europe and in parts of Asia. Locally it is found throughout the Maritime provinces, but is less common in Queens and Kings Counties, PEI.

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