Bryum argenteum Hedw.

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 : 33-36

* Bryum argenteum Hedw. [ Bryaceae ]

Description and iconography

Ochyra et al. (2008).

Distribution and habitat

Bryum argenteum has a cosmopolitan distribution, often associated with disturbed sites. In Antarctica, this species has been reported in maritime and continental areas, growing mainly in open sites in drainage areas and meltwater puddles; it also grows in places protected by rocks or recesses in the ground ( Ochyra et al. 2008). In the study area, it was found growing on soil protected by rocks, exposed soil and soil associated with waterfowl nests. Gametophytes were found on the plateau, the slope and the coast. It was occasionally found growing alone, although usually it grew together with other bryophytes.

Comments

Bryum argenteum is distinguished from other species of the genus by having small gametophytes, being silvery and julaceous in appearance and presenting hyaline apical cells ( Sharp et al. 1994).

* Bryum argenteum Hedw. [ Bryaceae ]

Examined material: Antarctica, Marambio Island , going down to the east from the Casa de Emergencia (64°14 ′ 23.73 ′′ S; 56°37 ′ 10.34 ′′ W; 185 m. a.s.l.), on soil protected by rocks, 12.1.2022, A. C. Cottet and L. P. Dopchiz ( BCRU 5661 ) ; ibid., descending from the plateau towards Caleta Larsen (64°13 ′ 53.8 ′′ S; 56° 36 ′ 27.97 ′′ W; 84 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected ground, 15.1.2022, A. C. Cottet and L. P. Dopchiz ( BCRU 5671 ) ; ibid., descending from the plateau towards the west coast from Las Cruces (64°13 ′ 50.70 ′′ S; 56°36 ′ 21.17 ′′ W; 180 m. a.s.l.), on soil protected by rocks, 16.1.2022, A. C. Cottet and L. P. Dopchiz ( BCRU 5677 ) ; ibid., descending from the plateau towards the west coast, Streamlet La Tradición (64°13 ′ 57.18 ′′ S; 56°37 ′ 41.34 ′′ W; 26 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected ground, 17.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5690 ) ; ibid., descending from the plateau towards the west coast by stream from the end of the track (64°14 ′ 18.82 ′′ S; 56°38 ′ 58.06 ′′ W; 120 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected ground, 19.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5692 ) ; ibid., Streamlet La Tradición (64°13 ′ 46.85 ′′ S; 56°39 ′ 13.96 ′′ W; 3 m. a.s.l.), on soil protected by rocks, 19.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5702 ) ; ibid., on the plateau on the way to La Remota (64°14 ′ 48.62 ′′ S; 56° 38 ′ 16.22 ′′ W; 191 m. a.s.l.), on soil protected by rocks, 21.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5711 ) ; ibid., east coast, stream prior to La Pingüinera area (64° 17 ′ 31.56 ′′ S; 56°41 ′ 43.62 ′′ W; 8 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected soil, 21.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5715 ) ; ibid., seagull nest area (64°17 ′ 20.90 ′′ S; 56°41 ′ 27.74 ′′ W; 9 m. a.s.l.), on soil protected by rocks surrounding the seagull nest, 21.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5722 ) ; ibid., west coast, near Casa de Botes , streamlet area to the north (64°15 ′ 33.37 ′′ S; 56°43 ′ 53.08 ′′ W; 13 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected soil, 29.1.2022, A. C. Cottet and L. P. Dopchiz ( BCRU 5733 ) .