Macromitrium sublongicaule: An Intriguing Moss of the Orthotrichaceae Family
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Macromitrium sublongicaule: A Fascinating Moss of the Orthotrichaceae Family
Introduction
Mosses may be small, but they play a big role in many ecosystems around the world. One particularly interesting species is
Macromitrium-syntrichophyllum-from-Koponen-et-al-49322-a-Perichaetial-leaf-b.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Macromitrium-syntrichophyllum-from-Koponen-et-al-49322-a-Perichaetial-leaf-b_fig6_242072632
Image2E4Nlarge.jpg from: https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Macromitrium.html
Macromitrium sublongicaule E.B.Bartram, a moss in the
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Orthotrichaceae family. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this fascinating little plant.
Background
Macromitrium sublongicaule is a species of moss first described by American botanist Edwin Bartram in 1933. It is classified in the division Bryophyta, class Bryopsida, and family Orthotrichaceae. The genus name Macromitrium comes from the Greek words makros meaning “long” and mitra meaning “headband”, referring to the calyptra (hood) that covers the capsule. The species epithet sublongicaule means “somewhat long-stemmed”.
Morphology and Identification
M. sublongicaule forms loose tufts or mats. The stems are creeping to ascending, sparsely branched, and can reach 2-3 cm long. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, 1.5-2.5 mm long, with a short apiculus (abrupt point) at the tip. When dry, the leaves are contorted and twisted
large.jpeg from: https://inaturalist.nz/observations/88236610
. The leaf margins are
Macromitrium_prolong031018L.jpg from: https://www.digital-museum.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/~museum/habit/moss_habit/Macromitrium prolongatum/Macromitrium_prolongatum.html
entire (smooth-edged).
The seta (stalk bearing the capsule) is 5-10 mm long. Capsules are ovoid to cylindric, 1.5-2 mm long, with a rostrate operculum (beaked lid). Peristome teeth are present.
Global Distribution and Habitat
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M. sublongicaule has a pantropical distribution, found in tropical regions around the world including Central and South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. It typically grows as an epiphyte on tree bark and branches in humid montane forests from 500-2500 meters elevation.
Ecological Roles and Adaptations
Like other mosses, M. sublongicaule plays important roles in its ecosystem:
- Helps retain moisture and prevent erosion
- Provides shelter and microhabitats for small invertebrates
- Contributes to nutrient cycling as it grows and decomposes
The contorted leaves help the moss conserve moisture during dry periods. The spores released from the capsules allow the moss to disperse to new habitats.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Stem length | 2-3 cm |
| Leaf shape | Ovate-lanceolate |
| Leaf length | 1.5-2.5 mm |
| Leaf tip | Short apiculus |
| Leaf margin | Entire |
| Seta length | 5-10 mm |
| Capsule shape | Ovoid to cylindric |
| Capsule length | 1.5-2 mm |
| Operculum shape | Rostrate |
| Habitat | Epiphytic in montane forests |
| Elevation range | 500-2500 m |
| Distribution | Pantropical |
Conclusion
Macromitrium sublongicaule may be a small and inconspicuous moss, but it has a widespread distribution and plays an important ecological role in tropical montane forests. Its unique morphological features make it well-adapted to its epiphytic lifestyle. Next time you’re walking through a humid tropical forest, take a closer look – you just might spot this fascinating little moss! What other secrets of the bryophyte world remain to be uncovered?
