Bryum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb.

Cottet, Agustina Celeste, Messuti, María Inés, Ansaldo, Martín & Dopchiz, Laura Patricia, 2025, Mosses (Bryophyta) of the north-western region of Marambio (Seymour) Island, Antarctica, Antarctic Science (Cambridge, England) 37 (1), pp. 31-38 : 33

Bryum pseudotriquetrum (Hedw.) G. Gaertn., B. Mey. & Scherb. [ Bryaceae ]

Description and iconography

Ochyra et al. (2008).

Distribution and habitat

This species is a bipolar moss with intermediate occurrences at high elevations. In Antarctica, it is considered to be frequent and widely distributed. Bryum pseudotriquetrum grows in a great diversity of both exposed and protected habitats. It is a common species in places with thaw runoff, growing between rocky mounds ( Ochyra et al. 2008). This species was found growing on soil protected by rocks, exposed soil and soil associated with waterfowl nests. Gametophytes of the species were found on the plateau, the slope and the coast. In relative terms, this species, together with A. brevirostris , was found more frequently and formed larger patches, reaching 20 m 2. It was observed growing alone or with other bryophytes.

Comments

This species is characterized by broad, long decurrent leaves, short excurrent costa, small distal lamina cells and red basal leaves. In the climatic conditions of Antarctica, the species presents great phenotypic variations; thus, the specimens of this species were often confused with other species ( Ochyra et al. 2008).