Telaranea remotifolia: A Delicate Moss of the Lepidoziaceae Family
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Living-Selaginella-remotifolia-found-in-a-private-garden-Kiyotake-cho-Miyazaki.png from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Living-Selaginella-remotifolia-found-in-a-private-garden-Kiyotake-cho-Miyazaki_fig6_282012477
Telaranea remotifolia: The Delicate Moss of the Lepidoziaceae Family
Introduction
Mosses are often overlooked, but they play important roles in many ecosystems around the world. One particularly fascinating moss is Telaranea remotifolia E.A.Hodgs., also known simply as Telaranea. This delicate moss belongs to the Lepidoziaceae family and has some unique characteristics. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at Telaranea remotifolia and explore what makes it so special.
Background on Mosses
ahd001484.jpg from: https://www.corvet.jp/search/photo_detail/?st=rs&pd=AHD001484
Before diving into the specifics of Telaranea, let’s review some background on mosses in general. Mosses are small, non-vascular plants that belong to the division Marchantiophyta. They lack true roots, stems, and leaves, instead having simple leaf-like structures. Mosses reproduce via spores rather than seeds and are found in a wide range of habitats, from arctic tundra to tropical rainforests.
Morphology and Identification
Telaranea remotifolia is a very small moss, with shoots typically only 1-2 cm long. The leaves are deeply divided into narrow, hair-like segments, giving the plant a delicate, almost feathery appearance. The leaf cells are elongated. Telaranea can be challenging to identify in the field due to its small size, but its distinctive divided leaves are a key characteristic.
Selaginella-remotifolia-Spring-A-A1-Habit-upper-surface-of-stem-B-B1-habit-lower.ppm from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Selaginella-remotifolia-Spring-A-A1-Habit-upper-surface-of-stem-B-B1-habit-lower_fig18_336313923
27955377604_197192dbd5_b.jpg from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/141206073@N04/27955377604/
Global Distribution and Habitat
This moss has a relatively limited global distribution. It is found primarily in New Zealand, with some populations in southeastern Australia and islands in the South Pacific. Telaranea typically grows on damp, shaded soil, rotting logs, and tree bases in temperate rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests. It prefers high humidity environments.
Ecological Roles and Adaptations
Like other mosses, Telaranea plays an important role in its forest ecosystems. It helps retain moisture in the soil, prevents erosion, and provides habitat for micro-organisms. The finely divided leaves are an adaptation that increases surface area for water and nutrient uptake. Telaranea is also able to survive periods of desiccation by going dormant when conditions are dry.
RhIzOGONIACEAE-a-d-Pyrrhobryum-spiniforme-a-aspecto-geral-do-gametofito-b-filidio_Q640.jpg from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-d-LEPIDOzIACEAE-Telaranea-nematodes-a-aspecto-geral-do-gametofito-b-filidio-c-d_fig9_275609887
Figura-1-a-c-Telaranea-nematodes-a-habito-b-filidio-c-secao-do-caulidio_Q640.jpg from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/a-c-Telaranea-nematodes-a-habit-b-leaf-c-sector-of-a-stem_fig2_311809416
Bri_Lepidozia_azorica_A.jpg from: https://azoresbioportal.uac.pt/pt/especies-dos-acores/telaranea-azorica-11973/
BAE53116D513459BAA367A5CAE6B8794.jpeg from: https://www.picturethisai.com/de/wiki/Selaginella_remotifolia.html
medium.jpeg from: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/492239-Selaginella-remotifolia
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Very small, shoots 1-2 cm long |
Leaves
 large.jpg from: https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/183819063 |
Deeply divided into narrow segments |
| Leaf Cells | Elongated |
| Habitat | Damp soil and logs in wet forests |
| Distribution | New Zealand, SE Australia, South Pacific |
Conclusion
Telaranea remotifolia may be a tiny moss, but it has a big impact in its native forest habitats. Its delicate beauty and fascinating adaptations make it a true gem in the world of bryophytes. Next time you’re in a New Zealand rainforest, take a moment to appreciate the miniature world of mosses at your feet. What other secrets might these small but mighty plants hold?
