From an email by Jocie to the Botany Group on October 10.
This is always a good time of year for moss watching (especially after the rain). Two members have sent links to interesting moss-related articles, and I’ve included a few random photos of common mosses to get you in the mood! Look out for “moss man” when in the woods.
Luise says: “Here’s information about a project that uses moss (bryophytes) to monitor atmospheric deposition/pollution. Using our friend – stair step moss. I’m hoping to do this on Denman.”
Mandy sent this article from the Guardian featuring writer Robin Wall Kimmerer: “Mosses are a model of how we might live“.
Some moss photos [click a photo to enlarge it]:
- Electrified cat’s tail or gooseneck moss (Hylocomiadelphus triquetrus). Used to be in the genus Rhytidiadelphus.
- Sorry, no common name for this one…I call it the “big shiny moss” (Homalothecium magaptilum). Lots in Miracle Beach Park.
- Stereodon subimponens (used to be in the genus Hypnum)
- Rough moss (Claopodium crispifolium)
- Wavy cotton moss (Plagiothecium undulatum)
- Moss man…he’s out there, getting you to look at moss!
