Exploring the Captivating World of Pinnatella gollanii Broth. Moss
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Exploring the Fascinating World of Pinnatella gollanii Broth. Moss
Introduction
Mosses are often overlooked, but they play a vital role in many ecosystems around the world. One particularly interesting species is Pinnatella gollanii Broth., a moss in the Neckeraceae family. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this fascinating plant and explore its unique features and ecological importance.
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Background
Pinnatella gollanii Broth., also simply known as Pinnatella, is a species of moss classified in the Bryophyta phylum and Bryopsida class. It was first described scientifically by Viktor Ferdinand Brotherus in 1906. The Neckeraceae family contains around 200 species found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Morphology and Identification
Pinnatella gollanii is characterized by its pinnately branched stems
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288018313_strongA_century_later_-_Pinnatella_gollanii_is_still_alivestrong
that are typically
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-K-LM-and-L-O-SEM-of-Jungermannia-gollani-Steph-A-Plants-on-rock-B-A-portion-of_fig3_316350325
2-5 cm long. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate in shape, 1-2 mm long, and have short, double costae. The leaf margins are entire and the leaf cells are linear. Sporophytes are rare, with an erect capsule on a
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Campylium-gollanii-C-Muell-A-dry-plant-667-B-wet-plant-667-C-D-leaves_fig5_242597571
short seta
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/type-specimens-of-Aphyllorchis-gollanii-Duthie-a-Ramsukh-23000-DD-selected-here-as_fig2_350655367
.
Global Distribution and Habitat
This moss species is found in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It grows as an epiphyte on tree trunks and branches in moist, shaded forests at elevations from sea level to 2,500 meters. Pinnatella gollanii prefers humid environments with high rainfall and moderate temperatures.
Ecological Roles and Adaptations
Like other mosses, Pinnatella gollanii plays important roles in its ecosystem:
- Moisture retention: Its dense mats help retain moisture and prevent soil erosion.
- Nutrient cycling: It aids in breaking down organic matter and cycling nutrients.
- Microhabitats: It provides shelter and habitat for small invertebrates.
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Habit-of-Pinnatella-homaliadelphoides-holotype-Scale-bar-5-mm_fig1_285276091
- Indicator species: Its presence or absence can indicate environmental conditions.
Pinnatella has adapted to its epiphytic lifestyle with features like:
- Water-absorbing leaf surfaces to efficiently capture moisture
- Rhizoids that anchor it to bark
- Desiccation tolerance to withstand periodic drying
image from: https://www.anbg.gov.au/abrs/Mosses_online/15_Neckeraceae_images.html
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/type-specimens-of-Aphyllorchis-gollanii-Duthie-a-Ramsukh-23000-DD-selected-here-as_fig2_350655367
image from: https://taieol.tw/muse/digi_object/50ac8e12d5d165847a5efd2c2ebc025c
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Stem | Pinnately branched, 2-5 cm long |
| Leaves | Ovate-lanceolate, 1-2 mm, short double costae, entire margins |
| Leaf cells | Linear |
| Sporophytes | Rare, erect capsule, short seta |
| Habitat | Epiphytic in moist tropical/subtropical forests |
| Elevation range | Sea level to 2,500 m |
| Distribution | Asia, Africa, Americas |
Conclusion
Pinnatella gollanii Broth. is a prime example of how even tiny, inconspicuous mosses can have fascinating adaptations and important ecological roles. The next time you’re walking through a tropical forest, take a closer look at the trees – you might just spot this amazing moss! What other secrets of the bryophyte world are waiting to be uncovered?