Exploring the Hidden World of Orthomnion Stolonaceum Moss
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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
Orthomnion stolonaceum is a remarkable moss that reminds us to appreciate the small but significant plants all around us. Its adaptations allow it to thrive in tropical forest canopies where it contributes to the lush epiphytic communities that abound there. Next time you are in a tropical forest, take a closer look at the trees – you may just spot a mat of Orthomnion making its living on the bark! What other mighty mosses have you noticed in your explorations?