Linbergia-sinensis-Muell-Hal-Broth-1-Habit-of-plant-Wet-2-A-portion-of-plant_Q640.jpg from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Linbergia-sinensis-Muell-Hal-Broth-1-Habit-of-plant-Wet-2-A-portion-of-plant_fig1_341098152
Sematophyllum aureoviride: The Golden-Green Moss
Introduction
Figura-12-Orthostichopsis-tortipilis-Muell-Hal-Broth-a-Habito-b-Filidios-c.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Figura-12-Orthostichopsis-tortipilis-Muell-Hal-Broth-a-Habito-b-Filidios-c_fig12_309232610
Sematophyllum aureoviride (Müll.Hal.) Broth., commonly known as Sematophyllum, is a fascinating species of moss belonging to the Sematophyllaceae family. This golden-green moss may be small, but it plays important ecological roles and has some remarkable adaptations. Let’s dive in and learn more about this intriguing bryophyte.
Background
Mosses are non-vascular plants in the division Bryophyta. There are over 12,000 moss species worldwide. Mosses lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Instead they have rhizoids, stems, and leaf-like structures called phyllids. Mosses reproduce via spores rather than seeds and are found in diverse habitats around the globe.
Morphology and Identification
S. aureoviride forms dense mats with a golden-green color. The stems are creeping to ascending and irregularly branched. Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, concave, and have a single costa extending 1/2 to 2/3 the leaf length. Leaf margins are entire below and serrulate at the apex. The seta (stalk) is reddish and 1-2 cm long. Capsules are inclined to horizontal and ovoid to cylindrical in shape.
Figuras-22-26-Sematophyllum-galipense-C-Muell-Mitt-22-habito-23-filidio-24.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Figuras-22-26-Sematophyllum-galipense-C-Muell-Mitt-22-habito-23-filidio-24_fig3_26360403
Global Distribution and Habitat
This moss has a pantropical distribution, found in tropical regions worldwide. It grows on tree trunks, branches, logs, and sometimes on rocks in moist forests from lowlands to 2000 m elevation. S. aureoviride prefers partial shade and moderate humidity.
Ecological Roles and Adaptations
f01_69.jpg from: https://bioone.org/journals/Evansia/volume-28/issue-3/079.028.0302/Brothera-leana-Sull-Müll-Hal-Dicranaceae-in-New-Mexico/10.1639/079.028.0302.full
Like other mosses, S. aureoviride
Figura-4-Sematophyllum-campicolum-Broth-Broth-a-aspecto-geral-do-gametofito-com.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Figura-4-Sematophyllum-campicolum-Broth-Broth-a-aspecto-geral-do-gametofito-com_fig3_237363226
plays important roles in its ecosystem:
- Provides habitat for micro-organisms
- Helps retain moisture and prevent erosion
Sematophyllum%2Bsubstrumulosum%2BOld%2BLands%2BDingestow%2B30102016.JPG from: https://southwalesbryos.blogspot.com/2016/10/sematophyllum-substrumulosum-season.html
- Pioneers disturbed sites and enriches soil as it decomposes
8473069816_bf1b65a866.jpg from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/72842252@N04/8473069816/
This moss has adaptations to survive periodic drying, including:
- Ability to quickly absorb moisture when available
- Protective pigments and thicker cell walls to prevent UV and desiccation damage
- Can enter dormancy to survive dry periods
Atrichum-angustatum.jpg from: https://ohiomosslichen.org/sematophyllum-adnatum-2/
8471977647_f6d6da214c.jpg from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/72842252@N04/8471977647/
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Family | Sematophyllaceae |
| Genus | Sematophyllum |
| Species | S. aureoviride |
| Plant body | Dense mats, golden-green |
| Stems | Creeping to ascending, irregularly branched |
| Leaves | Ovate-lanceolate, concave, single costa |
| Seta | Reddish, 1-2 cm long |
| Capsule | Inclined to horizontal, ovoid to cylindrical |
| Habitat | Tree trunks, logs, rocks in moist tropical forests |
| Elevation range | 0-2000 m |
| Distribution | Pantropical |
Conclusion
Sematophyllum_PuketokiKatikati3.jpg from: https://blog.tepapa.govt.nz/2015/06/24/celebration-of-personal-milestones-in-the-botany-collection/sematophyllum_puketokikatikati3/
Sematophyllum aureoviride may be a small moss, but it has an outsized ecological impact. From providing micro-habitats to pioneering disturbed sites, this golden-green moss plays an important role in tropical ecosystems worldwide. Next time you’re in a tropical forest, take a closer look and see if you can spot the beautiful mats of S. aureoviride. What other mosses can you find growing alongside it?