Moss Specimen

Date2007

Dimensions1.5 x 12 x 9 cm (9/16 x 4 3/4 x 3 9/16 in.)

Object numberHF.2012.49.49

DescriptionA large sample of dry Dicranum majus Sm. moss with thick stems covered in thin, hair-like leaves. Stems flare outward, thickly from a narrow base where the base of the stems are mixed with sediment. Leaves mostly arch downward, are narrow, triangular shaped and brown-green in colour. Reverse side is darker in colour with more sediment among the branches. Many fragments of other organic matter (conifer needles, deciduous tree leaves, sticks, etc.).

Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Order: Dicranales
Family: Dicranaceae
Genus: Dicranum Hedw.
Species: Dicranum majus Sm.

Narrative

Collected on May 4, 2011, by Jennifer Doubt with Rene Belland, Graham Forbes, Dwayne A. W. Lepitzki, Kristiina Ovaska from the Souris Townshend Woodlot (PEI Wildlife Federation) on the West side of Souris Line Road (Hwy 305), South of Hermanville, near the intersection with the Kitson Road (46°25'9"N, 62°16'55"W). Collected from the floor of a deciduous forest.

Dicranum majus is a large moss species that grows in large, loose patches. Stems are 3-16cm long. Leaves are long, 15mm in length and uniformly curved with a narrow, spearheaded shape that taper to a fine, toothed point. Dicranum majus reproduces through dioicous. Capsules are frequent in high-rainfall areas, maturing in winter. It grows in sheltered, acidic soil, only growing on rocks where there is a build-up of organic material. It is common in hardwood and coniferous woodland but can also grow in rock ledges and open slopes.

Dicranum majus can be found circumpolar in Boreo-temperate climates including throughout North American, Central, North and East Europe, and East Asia. It is common throughout the Maritimes, but is less common in Prince County, PEI.

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