Real apple moss
Real apple moss | ||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Real apple moss ( Bartramia pomiformis ) |
||||||||||||
Systematics | ||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||
Scientific name | ||||||||||||
Bartramia pomiformis | ||||||||||||
Hedw. |
The real apple moss ( Bartramia pomiformis ) is an akrokarpes (summit fruited) moss , which is not uncommon in Central Europe and can be easily recognized by its round capsules and bluish-green color.
description
The moss forms blue-green to yellow-green cushions. It has 1–8 cm long stems with brown root felt in the lower area. Its leaves have a distinct rib and a serrated edge in the upper half of the leaf. The leaves are approx. 5–8 mm long.
The round (apple-shaped!) Capsule, which is olive-brown and stands on a 1-2 cm long stem at the end of a stem, is particularly characteristic.
Distribution and location requirements
It occurs from the lowlands up to an altitude of 2000 m and prefers partially shaded locations and soils made of sand or sandstone. It avoids calcareous soils and is often found in sparse coniferous or mixed forests.
Its distribution area extends over the entire temperate zones of the northern hemisphere.
Others
The real apple moss was chosen by the bryological-lichenological working group for Central Europe as moss of the year 2018.