*21117_2227_4.jpg from: https://artfakta.se/naturvard/taxon/trichostomoideae-1004480*

Discovering the Fascinating World of Anoectangium pleuroweisioides J.Froehl. Moss

Mosses are some of the most ancient and resilient plants on Earth. Among the diverse world of mosses is the intriguing species Anoectangium pleuroweisioides J.Froehl.

*7f3fdbf1cc71428b9e54cd39e75a8a6c~tplv-mlhdmxsy5m-q75:0:0.image from: https://www.baike.com/wikiid/7506264552829663641*

, also known simply as Anoectangium. This tiny but mighty moss belongs to the Pottiaceae family and has some remarkable characteristics. Let’s dive in and learn more about this fascinating bryophyte.

Background on Anoectangium pleuroweisioides

Anoectangium pleuroweisioides is a species of moss first described by German botanist Johann Baptist Georg Wolfgang Fresenius in 1842. It is classified under:

Kingdom:

bicoloured-bryum-moss-march-2022.jpg from: http://www.heenecemetery.org.uk/blog/the-mosses-of-heene-cemetery/

Plantae

Anoectangium-sikkimense-Aziz-Vohra-A-Habit-moist-B-Habit-dry-C-Perichaetial.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Anoectangium-sikkimense-Aziz-Vohra-A-Habit-moist-B-Habit-dry-C-Perichaetial_fig1_321395685

Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida

Diaus.jpg from: https://southwalesbryos.blogspot.com/2020/
Order: Pottiales
Family: Pottiaceae
Genus: Anoectangium
Species: A. pleuroweisioides

Morphology and Identification

Anoectangium pleuroweisioides is a small, cushion-forming moss. Its leaves are lanceolate (lance-shaped) and have a strong midrib that extends to the leaf tip. The leaf margins are entire (smooth-edged). Unique identifying features include:

Leaves spirally arranged and often twisted when dry
Leaf cells are quadrate (square or rectangular) in the upper part
Autoicous (male and female reproductive structures on the same plant)
Capsules are ovoid to cylindrical on a short

dry-mos-replenished-1024×576.jpg from: https://social-legacy.com/emily-chang-blog-an-important-lesson-we-can-learn-from-moss-resilience-have-you-gone-dormant-agility/

seta (stalk)

Global Distribution and Habitat

This moss has a widespread global distribution, found on multiple continents:

Europe
Asia
Africa
North America
South America

It grows on calcareous rocks and soil, often in sheltered and shaded locations like rock crevices, cliff faces, and banks. Anoectangium prefers basic substrates and is considered a calciphile (calcium-loving species).

Ecological Roles and Adaptations

Like other mosses, Anoectangium plays important roles in its ecosystems:

Helps retain moisture and prevent soil erosion
Provides shelter and habitat for micro-organisms and small invertebrates
Pioneer species that colonizes bare surfaces and contributes to soil formation

Anoectangium has adaptations that allow it to thrive in its niche:

Twisting leaves help reduce water loss during dry periods
Rhizoids anchor it to rocky substrates
Tolerates a wide pH range, though prefers basic conditions

*mossa.jpg from: https://naturligdagbok.blogspot.com/2014/12/8-december-naturlig-dekoration.html*

*mosses-blog-post-feature-image-round.jpg from: https://www.heenecemetery.org.uk/blog/the-mosses-of-heene-cemetery/*

*pott-038.gif from: https://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/pottiaceae/35000061.htm*

Characteristic	Description
Leaf shape	Lanceolate
Leaf midrib	Strong, extending to tip
Leaf margin	Entire
Upper leaf cells	Quadrate
Sexual condition	Autoicous
Capsule shape	Ovoid to cylindrical
Seta length	Short
Substrate	Calcareous rocks and soil
Light preference	Shaded locations
Distribution	Widespread globally

Conclusion

Anoectangium pleuroweisioides may be small, but it is a remarkable and resilient moss species. From its global distribution to its unique adaptations, this mighty moss reminds us of the wonders that can be found in the miniature world of bryophytes. What other fascinating secrets do you think ancient species like Anoectangium hold? The more we study and appreciate mosses, the more we uncover the complex ecology and evolution of life on Earth.