Ctenidium-molluscum_6

Description:

Ctenidium molluscum (Hedw.) Mitt., syn.: Hypnum balearicum Dixon, Hypnum molluscum Hedw. Family: Hypnaceae EN: Comb-moss, Ostrich-plume Feather-moss, Knights Plume Moss; DE: Weiches Kammoos, Weiches Kamm-Moos Strauenfedermoos, SchneckenmoosSlo: apnenevo sedje, koljni krgarDat.: April 22. 2021.Lat.: 46.35878 Long.: 13.70288Code: Bot_1360/2021_DSC6784Habitat: Mixed wood, Fagus sylvatica dominant; moderately incline mountain slope, southeast aspect; calcareous, colluvial ground; in shade; average precipitations ~ 3.000 mm/year, average temperature 7-9 deg C, elevations 560 m (1.850 feet), alpine phytogeographical region. Substratum: calcareous rock.Place: Lower Trenta valley, right bank of river Soa, Skokar's ravine, near Trenta 2a, East Julian Alps, Posoje, Slovenia EC. Comment: Ctenidium molluscum is another common, widespread and beautiful moss, found in many calcareous habitats. One can find it in woods, cliffs, boulders, on soil, rocks and also in grassland. It is a notoriously variable species sometimes posing difficulties in determination if not in its typical form. The tips of the branches are typically hooked and lighter than the rest of the plant. Shots are usually two to three cm long, but can be also longer, particularly when hanging on vertical surfaces. Leaves on branches are all curved, about 1 mm long and have no central nerve. Stem leaves are not much longer but significantly broader.Ref.:(1) Ian Atherton, Ed., Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, British Bryological Society (2010), p 812. (2) V. Wirth, Die Moose Baden-Wrttembergs, Teil. 2., Ulmer (2001), p 498.(3) V. Wirth, R. Duell, Farbatlas Flechten und Moose, Ulmer, (2000), p 297.(4) M. Luth, Mosses of Europe A Photographic Flora. ML Publ., Freiburg, Germany (2019), p 1204.