Mosses are often overlooked, but they play crucial roles in ecosystems around the world. One particularly interesting species is Breutelia patens Herzog, a moss in the Bartramiaceae family. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of this fascinating plant, from its unique morphology to its global distribution and ecological importance.
The genus Breutelia contains around 90 species of mosses found across the globe. They are acrocarpous mosses, meaning they produce sporophytes at the tips of their stems. Breutelia mosses often have striking golden, copper, or greenish coloration.
Morphology and Identification of Breutelia patens Herzog
B. patens forms loose tufts or mats. Its stems are 5-10 cm long and sparsely branched. The leaves are lanceolate (lance-shaped), 3-6 mm long, and have toothed margins. They are often falcate-secund (curved to one side). The seta (stalk bearing the capsule) is 1-3 cm long and the capsules are pear-shaped and furrowed when dry.
Breutelia patens Herzog is a prime example of how even tiny mosses can be captivating when you take a closer look. From its eye-catching leaves to its adaptations for mountain life, this species has many fascinating features. Next time you’re in the mountains, keep an eye out for this golden beauty! What other overlooked organisms might be worth a closer look?
