image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Fossil-mosses-and-a-beetle-A-Stem-and-leaves-of-the-semiaquatic-moss-Drepanocladus_fig3_23148177
Exploring the Fascinating World of Stereophyllum rigescens Broth. Moss
Introduction
Mosses are often overlooked, but they play a vital role in many ecosystems around the world. One particularly interesting species is Stereophyllum rigescens Broth.
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/12-Entodontopsis-setschwanica-Broth-W-R-Buck-et-R-R-Ireland-1-sporophytic_fig1_308534623
image from: https://www.gbif.org/es/species/2673552
, a moss in the Stereophyllaceae family. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the details of this fascinating plant.
Background
Stereophyllum rigescens Broth., also simply called
image from: https://botanyprofessor.blogspot.com/2018/02/mosses-of-central-florida-xx.html
Stereophyllum, is a species of moss classified in the Bryophyta division and Bryopsida class. Mosses are non-vascular plants that lack true roots, stems, and leaves. Instead, they have leaf-like structures called phyllids that absorb water and nutrients.
Morphology and Identification
image from: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:612350-1/images
S. rigescens
image from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/191586631@N05/52262187972
forms loose mats with irregularly branched stems. The phyllids are ovate-lanceolate in shape, measuring 1-2 mm long. They have a single costa (midrib) that extends to the apex. The margins are entire and the cells are smooth.
The species is dioicous, meaning male and female reproductive structures are on separate plants. Sporophytes (spore-producing structures) are common, with 1-2 cm long setae (stalks) and ovoid to cylindrical capsules.
Global Distribution and Habitat
image from: https://taieol.tw/muse/digi_object/066f8adbf1dc27f5f7041c6008ed3bb8
S. rigescens has a wide distribution, found in
image from: https://inpn.mnhn.fr/espece/cd_nom/5248
tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, Africa, and Asia. It typically grows on tree trunks, branches, and logs in moist forests at low to mid elevations, up to around 1500 m.
The species prefers partially shaded habitats with high humidity. It is often found in association with other epiphytic bryophytes and lichens.
Ecological Roles and Adaptations
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Figura-10-1-Rhacocarpus-inermis-Hedw-2-Itatiella-ulei-Broth-ex-Muell-Hal-GL_fig2_350438700
Like other mosses, S. rigescens plays important ecological roles:
- Moisture retention: The dense mats help retain moisture in the ecosystem
- Nutrient cycling: It helps trap and cycle nutrients that are important for other plants
- Microhabitats: The mats provide shelter and habitat for various small invertebrates
The species has several adaptations to its epiphytic lifestyle:
- Desiccation tolerance: It can survive periods of drying out by going dormant
- Water and nutrient absorption: The phyllids are adapted to efficiently absorb water and nutrients from the air and rain
- Asexual reproduction: In addition to spores, it can reproduce via fragmentation when pieces break off and grow into new plants
image from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Some-mosses-in-Mt-Kalatungan-Range-Natural-Park-A-Pogonatum-macrophyllum-Dozy-Molk_fig6_326770986
Conclusion
Stereophyllum rigescens Broth. is a prime example of how even tiny, inconspicuous organisms like mosses can have fascinating biology and important ecological roles. Next time you’re in a tropical forest, take a closer look and see if you can spot this species! What other amazing mosses might be living right under our noses?