Rhytidiadelphus loreus
Bryophyta
Rhytidiadelphus loreus (XXXXXX)
Lanky Moss
Whispy Forest Floor Scrambler
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Distinguishing Features
Scrambling over the forest floor, this species has a reddish stem, long but distantly-spaced branches and whispy, pointed leaves that are equally arranged around the stem. The sporophytes, when present, have a chestnut brown and round capsule that is inclined at 90 degrees from its stem (seta).
Similar species
Unlikely to be mistaken for many species with the exception of Antitrichia curtipendula, which is a species growing predominantly on trees and rocks. When present on the forest floor or on lower tree trunks, it can be distinguished from the lanky R. loreus by its branches, which tend to be at 90 degrees to the main shoot, very irregular and swooping. Hylocomiadelphus triquetrus is also a forest floor scrambler, but in that species the leaves are much larger (>5mm) and arranged in a disorganized and shaggy manner.
Habitat
Moist, shady soil, humus, decayed wood, rock outcrops, ledges, tree bases, and branches, especially in coniferous forests, in the lowland, montane, and subalpine zones; common in coastal BC, frequent in se BC.
Associated species
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