Rhizomnium punctatum, also called dotted thyme-moss[2], is a small species in the genus Rhizomnium.

Dotted thyme-moss
Rhizomnium punctatum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Bryidae
Order: Bryales
Family: Mniaceae
Genus: Rhizomnium
Species:
R. punctatum
Binomial name
Rhizomnium punctatum
(Hedw.) T.J. Kop.

Description

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The roots, which are 10–100 mm tall, stand up straight. The oval- or egg-shaped leaves are usually broader above the middle. The rhizoids are not slender, unlike similar species R. magnifolium and R. pseudopunctatum, and they grow in the leaf axils. Capsules, measuring 5mm long, are borne on setae which are 20-30mm.[3]

Distribution

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Rhizomnium punctatum is native to most of Europe and North America and is also found in the Azores and Madeira, North Africa, Turkey, the Caucasus, Iran and Asia east to Siberia.[1]

It is found on all corners of the British Isles, although once again less frequent in Ireland. It also has a more scattered range in the East, from Cambridge north to Kingston upon Hull. It can be found on Scilly, Orkney, Shetland and the Isle of Man.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Schröck, C. (2019). "Rhizomnium punctatum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T84535251A87737815. Retrieved 10 July 2021.
  2. ^ Edwards, Sean R. (2012). English Names for British Bryophytes. British Bryological Society Special Volume. Vol. 5 (4 ed.). Wootton, Northampton: British Bryological Society. ISBN 978-0-9561310-2-7. ISSN 0268-8034.
  3. ^ British Bryological Society. Mosses and Liverworts of Britain and Ireland - a field guide, published by the British Bryological Society, 2010, p. 616.
  4. ^ NBN Gateway. Rhizomnium punctatum (Hedw.) T.J.Kop. (Dotted Thyme-moss), National Biodiversity Network. Retrieved 15/04/2015.