 |
         Introduction to
Moss ID Links ID1 (Intro to Plants) ID2 (Bryophytes) ID3 (Life Cycle) ID4 (Divsions) ID5 (Books & Gear) ID6 (Leaves) ID7 (Cells) ID8 (Sporophytes) ID9 (peculiar Sphagnum) ID10 (peculiar Atrichum) ID11 (peculiar Fissidens) ID12. (Key Overview) ID13 (Platygyrium start) ID14 (Platygyrium finish) ID15 (Funaria start) ID16 (Funaria finish) ID17 (Orthotrichum start) ID18 (Orthotrichum finish) ID19 (OH Atlas & FQAI) ID20. (Plag. cusp.) ID21 (Ambl. vari., Anom. Atte.) ID22 (Plat. repe., Ento. sedu.) ID23 (Cera. purp., Anom. rost.) ID24 (Clim. amer., Thui. deli.) ID25 (Atri angu.) |
INTRODUCTION TO MOSS IDENTIFICATION
16. Acrocarp along the tracks, conclusion. Let's go to the lab, and look at a leaf.
What is the cell shape? Are the cells smooth or do they have some sort
of surface projections? Are the cells along the edges longer
than those of the interior? Does the leaf have a midvein (costa)?
Here is a typical leaf character couplet:
 The cells are equal-sided (isodiametric). The orientation of the capsules with respect to the seta, and the morphology of the capsules are of interest.  This is the "water-measuring cord moss," Funaria hygrometrica, well known because it has long seta that twist and curl with changes in humidity, helping to disperse spores from the tilted capsules. In the photo above, taken in early June, the peristome teeth are visible.  The moss is an acrocarp.
Crum tells us that this plant is "A
weed, common on wet soil, often in burned-over places, sometimes on old
wood or rock, common in lawns and greenhouses." Funaria hygrometrica has been
reported from 43 of Ohio's 88 Counties.
Next: Little Brick Wall Moss.
  |