Bescherellia elegantissima: The Elegant Moss of Tropical Forests

Bescherellia elegantissima Duby: The Elegant Moss of the Spiridentaceae Family

Introduction

Mosses are fascinating and often overlooked plants that play important roles in many ecosystems around the world. One particularly elegant and interesting moss is Bescherellia elegantissima Duby

, also known simply as Bescherellia. This moss belongs to the Spiridentaceae family and has some unique characteristics. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this marvelous little moss.

Background on Mosses

Mosses are small, non-vascular plants in the division Bryophyta. Unlike other plants, they lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Instead, they have leaf-like structures called phyllids and thread-like rhizoids that anchor them to surfaces. Mosses reproduce via spores rather than seeds and are found in a wide range of habitats, from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests. There are over

12,000 species of moss worldwide.

Morphology and Identification of Bescherellia elegantissima

Bescherellia elegantissima is a pleurocarpous moss, meaning it has a branching, feather-like growth form. Its phyllids are ovate-lanceolate in shape, measuring about 1.5-2 mm long. They have a distinctly toothed margin near the apex. The seta (stalk bearing the capsule) is reddish-brown and slightly curved when mature. Capsules are inclined to horizontal and cylindrical in shape.
One of the most distinguishing features of B. elegantissima is the presence of filamentous paraphyllia – small, thread-like growths along the stem. These give the moss a fuzzy appearance. The calyptra (hood covering the capsule) is mitrate (split on one side) and covered in long hairs.

Global Distribution and Habitat

Bescherellia elegantissima has a pantropical distribution, found in tropical regions around the world including Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and various islands in the Pacific. It typically grows as an

epiphyte on tree trunks and branches

in humid montane forests at elevations of 1000-3000 meters. The moss favors areas with high precipitation and frequent cloud cover.

Ecological Roles and Adaptations

Like other epiphytic mosses, B. elegantissima plays an important role in intercepting and retaining moisture in the canopy of tropical forests. Its mat-like growth traps water and provides habitat for various microorganisms and small invertebrates. The dense growth may also help protect the host tree from temperature fluctuations and excessive water loss.

The filamentous paraphyllia of B. elegantissima likely aid in water retention, as the increased surface area can hold more moisture. The hairs on the calyptra may serve a similar function. These adaptations allow the moss to thrive in the often dry and exposed conditions of the upper tree canopy.

Conclusion

Bescherellia elegantissima is a prime example of the incredible diversity and adaptability of mosses. From its elegant morphology to its important ecological roles, this tropical moss is anything but mundane. Next time you’re in a tropical montane forest, take a closer look at the trees – you might just spot some Bescherellia! What other secrets do you think this unassuming little plant holds?