Plagiomnium insigne, the badge moss or coastal leafy moss,[1] is a species of moss found on humus in moist, shaded, lowland forests. It can also be found on soil along trails and other shaded, open areas. The moss sometimes forms lush, extensive mats.

Plagiomnium insigne
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Bryidae
Order: Bryales
Family: Mniaceae
Genus: Plagiomnium
Species:
P. insigne
Binomial name
Plagiomnium insigne
(Mitt.) T.J. Kop.

Description

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The plants are large and showy, usually between 3–8 cm (1.2–3.1 in) high. They have wide-spreading, glistening leaves when moist that become shrivelled and dull when dry. The fertile plants are unisexual. The male plants can be distinguished by their conspicuously flattened heads. The sterile stems are arched, like those of strawberries.

Badge moss is the largest mnium.[clarification needed] It can be distinguished from magnificent moss[clarification needed] by its unisexual plants, leaf edges that extend down the stems for a noticeable length, and 3-6 stalked capsules per plant.[2]

References

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  1. ^ "Results Detailed Report: Plagiomnium insigne - (Mitt. ) T. Kop". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  2. ^ Plants of the Pacific Northwest coast : Washington, Oregon, British Columbia & Alaska. MacKinnon, A. (Andrew), 1956-, Pojar, Jim, 1948-, Alaback, Paul B. Richmond, Wash.: Lone Pine Publishing. 1994. ISBN 1-55105-040-4. OCLC 30357470.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)