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Polytrichum commune, or the Hair Cap Moss, is a small plant measuring between 4 to 6 cm in height, though it has been measured up to 20 cm. During its gametophytic stage, this moss is a green plant with long, thin and leathery leaves. During its sporophytic stage, the plant has capsules with a cover (calyptra). This is also why the moss is called the Hair Cap Moss. The male plants of this species have flower structures formed by sexual organs or antheridia. This plant is usually dioecious. Because this plant is a bryophyte, it contains no lignin, the component for structure in a plant. This is why the plant is so short.
Reference for Descriptive Information: http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/04/00/Polytrichaceae/00/Polytrichum/ |
Picture from: http://www.borealforest.org/lichens/lichen10.htm |
While the hair cap moss can be grown all over the world, it is largely found in the Eastern United States and also in Canada in the Yukon area. It is also popular in botanical gardens in Japan. Generally, the hair cap moss can be found worldwide. Habitat Hair cap moss requires a temperate mesic habitat. The hair cap moss can be found in moist areas, usually next to a pond or lake. It requires damp, acidic soil. |
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Picture From: Courtesy of Dr. Wyatt from http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/04/00/Polytrichaceae/00/Polytrichum/references/gen_info.htm
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To propagate the hair cap moss, one can take spores from the plant and place them on sphagnum or peat moss and keep them in a warm moist environment. Within a few months, moss can be regrown from spores taken and grown on medium. References for Propagation Methods: http://www.rook.org/earl/bwca/nature/moss/pleuroziumsch.html |
References for Uses and Fun Facts: http://www.discoverlife.org/nh/tx/04/00/Polytrichaceae/00/Polytrichum/references/gen_info.htm |
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Picture from: http://wwwperspective.com/nature/plantae/polytrichum.html |
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