Orthomnion-bryoides-Griff-Nork-A-C-Leaves-from-stolons-D-Cross-section-of-costa.ppm from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Orthomnion-bryoides-Griff-Nork-A-C-Leaves-from-stolons-D-Cross-section-of-costa_fig6_336020273

Exploring the Fascinating World of Orthomnion stolonaceum Broth. Moss

Mosses are small but mighty plants that play important roles in ecosystems around the world. One particularly interesting species is Orthomnion stolonaceum Broth., a moss in the Mniaceae family. Also known simply as Orthomnion, this moss has some unique characteristics. Let’s take a closer look at this fascinating bryophyte.

Background on Mosses

Mosses are non-vascular plants in the division Bryophyta. Unlike other plants, they lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Instead, they have rhizoids that anchor them and absorb water and nutrients. Mosses are found on every continent and play key roles as pioneer species, in nutrient cycling, erosion control, and providing habitat for tiny organisms. There are over 12,000 moss species, exhibiting incredible diversity.

Morphology and Identification

Orthomnion stolonaceum is a pleurocarpous moss, meaning it has a branching, mat-forming growth habit. Its scientific name comes from Greek:

Morphology-and-anatomy-of-stolons-and-shoots-in-the-bermudagrass-cultivar-Yangjiang-a.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Morphology-and-anatomy-of-stolons-and-shoots-in-the-bermudagrass-cultivar-Yangjiang-a_fig1_335755668

orthos meaning “straight” and mnion meaning “moss,” referring to its upright growth. The species epithet stolonaceum refers to its stolons – horizontally growing stems that produce new upright shoots.

Orthomnion-javense-MFleisch-TJKop-A-C-Fragmenting-leaves-from-stolons-D-Leaf.ppm from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Orthomnion-javense-MFleisch-TJKop-A-C-Fragmenting-leaves-from-stolons-D-Leaf_fig8_336020273

The phyllids (leaf-like structures) of O. stolonaceum are oblong-lanceolate with fine serrated margins. They have a distinct costa (midrib) that ends below the apex. Capsules are cylindrical and borne on tall setae. With a hand lens, the leaf cells are rounded-hexagonal.

Global Distribution and Habitat

Orthomnion stolonaceum has a pantropical distribution, found in tropical regions around the world including Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. It typically grows on rocks, tree bases, logs, and soil in moist, shady forests from lowlands to 2,500 m in elevation. In some areas it is common while in others it is rare and even endangered.

*tsuruchouchingoke1%2B150617.jpg from: https://soyokaze2jp.blogspot.com/2015/08/blog-post_7.html*

Ecological Roles and Adaptations

As an epiphytic moss, O. stolonaceum grows on other plants, especially tree trunks and exposed roots. Its mat-like growth traps moisture, provides a substrate for other epiphytes, and is a microhabitat for invertebrates. In tropical forests, epiphytic mosses like Orthomnion contribute significantly to biodiversity and nutrient dynamics.
O. stolonaceum has several adaptations for its epiphytic lifestyle and the periodic drying in its forest habitats:

*Morphology-of-L-javense-isolated-from-CBG-A-and-GGPNP-B-Bar-2-cm.jpg from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Morphology-of-L-javense-isolated-from-CBG-A-and-GGPNP-B-Bar-2-cm_fig2_334229202*

Stolons allow it to grow horizontally and exploit new substrates
Rhizoids anchor it to bark and absorb water during wet periods
Leaves can crinkle and twist when dry but quickly rehydrate to resume photosynthesis
Capsules are held on tall stalks to aid in spore dispersal

Orthomnion-dilatatum-Mitt-PCChen-A-D-Leaves-from-stolons-E-Leaf-base-without.ppm from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Orthomnion-dilatatum-Mitt-PCChen-A-D-Leaves-from-stolons-E-Leaf-base-without_fig7_336020273

*IMG_0835-3-copiab.jpg from: https://farallonesdelcitara.bioexploradores.com/biodiversidad/bryopsida/bryales/mniaceae/*

*image_1339_2854-800×600.png from: https://www.ccap.ac.uk/catalogue/strain-805-5*

Characteristic	Description
Division	Bryophyta
Class	Bryopsida
Family	Mniaceae
Genus	Orthomnion
Species	O. stolonaceum
Growth Form 028-orthomnion-dilatatum-tachichouchingoke-KJXDEJ.jpg from: https://www.alamy.com/stock-image-028-orthomnion-dilatatum-tachichouchingoke-166538474.html	Pleurocarpous
Habitat	Epiphytic in tropical forests
Substrate	Tree bark, logs, rocks, soil
Elevation Range	0-2500 m
Global Distribution	Pantropical

Conclusion