*image from: http://www.guidobrusa.info/2018/10/riccia-crozalsii.html*

Exploring the Fascinating World of Riccia ciliata var. epilosa Warnst. Moss

Mosses are some of the most ancient and resilient plants on Earth. Among the diverse array of moss species, Riccia ciliata var. epilosa Warnst. stands out as a particularly intriguing member of the Ricciaceae family. Commonly known as

Riccia, this tiny but mighty moss plays important ecological roles. Let’s dive in and learn more about this fascinating plant!

*image from: https://artfakta.se/naturvard/taxon/riccia-ciliata-var-epilosa-217505*

Background on Riccia Moss

Riccia ciliata var. epilosa Warnst. is a species of thallose liverwort in the class Marchantiopsida and division Marchantiophyta. The Ricciaceae family contains around 150 species found worldwide. Riccia mosses lack stems and leaves, instead having a flattened, lobed thallus. They are named after the Italian botanist Pietro Francesco Ricci.

*image from: https://inaturalist.ca/taxa/405718-Riccia-ciliata*

Morphology and Identification

Riccia ciliata var. epilosa has a small thallus, typically 1-3 cm long and 2-5 mm wide. The thallus is light to yellowish green, translucent, and deeply lobed or furcate. The upper surface has a distinct midrib and margins that curl upward when dry. Rhizoids and scales are present on the underside. Unique to this variety, the thallus lacks cilia (tiny hairs) on the margins.

Global Distribution and Habitat

*image from: https://www.marylandbiodiversity.com/species/goToSpecies.php?species=Hedwigia ciliata*

This moss has a widespread distribution, found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It grows in a variety of habitats including on soil, rocks, logs, and sometimes as an epiphyte on other plants. Riccia ciliata var. epilosa prefers moist, shaded environments

*image from: https://ohiomosslichen.org/moss-hedwigia-ciliata/*

such as riverbanks, damp cliffs, and the forest floor.

*image from: https://www.bryo.cz/index.php?p=mechorosty_foto&site=default&gallery=riccia_ciliata&id=345*

Ecological Roles and Adaptations

*image from: https://www.gbif.org/es/species/7958926*

Despite its small size, Riccia plays several important roles in its ecosystems:

Pioneer species: Riccia is often one of the first plants to colonize disturbed or bare ground, helping to stabilize the soil and pave the way for other plants.
Nutrient cycling: As Riccia grows and dies back, it contributes organic matter to the soil, aiding in decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Microhabitats: The dense mats formed by Riccia provide shelter and moisture for various small invertebrates and microorganisms.
Desiccation tolerance: Riccia has the ability to survive extended dry periods by curling up its thallus and entering a dormant state until moisture returns.

Characteristic	Description
Thallus size	1-3 cm long, 2-5 mm wide
Thallus color	Light to yellowish green
Thallus shape	Deeply lobed or furcate
Thallus texture	Translucent
Thallus surface	Distinct midrib, upward curling margins
Underside features	Rhizoids and scales present
Margin cilia	Absent in var. epilosa

Conclusion

Riccia ciliata var. epilosa Warnst. may be small, but it is a remarkable moss with a big ecological impact. From its role as a pioneer species to creating microhabitats, this ancient plant continues to thrive in diverse environments worldwide. The next time you’re out in nature, take a closer look – you just might spot some Riccia making its mark! What other tiny but mighty mosses have you encountered?