pears008.gif from: https://www.delta-intkey.com/brithp/www/harpalej.htm
Harpalejeunea cinchonae: The Tiny Moss with a Big Story
Introduction
When it comes to the world of mosses,
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Harpalejeunea cinchonae (Nees) Schiffn. may not be a household name. But this tiny moss, also known simply as Harpalejeunea, is a fascinating species with an intriguing story to tell. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this unique moss and explore what makes it so special.
Background
Harpalejeunea cinchonae is a species of moss in the Lejeuneaceae family, which is part of the larger group of plants known as Marchantiophyta or liverworts. It was first described by Christian Gottfried Daniel Nees von Esenbeck in 1830 and later reclassified by Viktor Ferdinand Schiffner in 1893.
Morphology and Identification
One of the most striking features of
A-D-Dicranolejeunea-axilaris-Nees-Mont-Schiffn-A-Ventral-view-of-the-gametophyte.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-D-Dicranolejeunea-axilaris-Nees-Mont-Schiffn-A-Ventral-view-of-the-gametophyte_fig2_318135215
H. cinchonae is its small size. The shoots of this moss are typically only 1-2 mm long, with tiny oval-shaped leaves arranged in two rows. The leaves have a distinctive pointed tip and are only 0.2-0.4 mm long.
Identifying H. cinchonae in the field requires a keen eye and often a microscope. Look for its characteristic reddish-brown color and the presence of underleaves, small leaf-like structures on the underside of the stem.
Global Distribution and Habitat
Despite its small size, H. cinchonae has a wide global distribution. It can be found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including:
- Central and South America
- Africa
- Southeast Asia
- Australia
- Pacific Islands
This moss typically grows as an epiphyte on the bark of trees and shrubs in humid forests. It prefers shaded, moist habitats and can often be found growing alongside other bryophytes and lichens.
Ecological Roles and Adaptations
Like many bryophytes, H. cinchonae plays important ecological roles in its native habitats. As an epiphyte, it helps to intercept and retain moisture, providing a microhabitat for small invertebrates and other organisms.
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This moss has several adaptations that allow it to thrive in its tropical habitats:
- Small size to reduce water loss
HARPALEJEUNEA.jpg from: https://plantasdepuertorico.blogspot.com/2017/02/hepaticas-lobadas-lejeunaceae_17.html
- Reddish pigments to protect against UV radiation
- Ability to absorb water and nutrients directly through leaves
f01_101.jpg from: https://bioone.org/journals/cryptogamie-bryologie/volume-32/issue-2/cryb.v32.iss1.2011.101/A-New-Species-of-iHarpalejeunea-i-Spruce-Schiffn-Lejeuneaceae-from/10.7872/cryb.v32.iss1.2011.101.full
Marked-locations-of-Drepanolejeunea-hamatifolia-red-and-Harpalejeunea-molleri-yellow.jpg from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Marked-locations-of-Drepanolejeunea-hamatifolia-red-and-Harpalejeunea-molleri-yellow_fig8_330740645
trunk-beilschmiedia-roxburghiana-nees-covered-moss-259542856.jpg from: https://www.dreamstime.com/trunk-beilschmiedia-roxburghiana-nees-covered-moss-image259542856
Moerckia_flotoviana_male-682×1024.jpg from: https://www.britishbryologicalsociety.org.uk/learning/species-finder/moerckia-flotoviana/
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Shoot length | 1-2 mm |
| Leaf length | 0.2-0.4 mm |
| Leaf shape | Oval with pointed tip |
| Underleaves | Present |
| Habitat | Epiphytic in humid forests |
| Distribution | Pantropical |
Conclusion
Harpalejeunea cinchonae may be a tiny moss, but it has a fascinating story to tell. From its unique morphology to its global distribution and ecological roles, this species showcases the incredible diversity of the bryophyte world.
The next time you’re walking through a tropical forest, take a closer look at the tree bark and see if you can spot this diminutive but captivating moss. And consider this: what other small wonders are waiting to be discovered in the world of plants?