Biology:Splachnum

From HandWiki
Short description: Genus of mosses

Splachnum
Splachnum rubrum 33797414.png
Splachnum rubrum
Scientific classification e
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Bryophyta
Class: Bryopsida
Subclass: Bryidae
Order: Splachnales
Family: Splachnaceae
Genus: Splachnum
Hedw.

Splachnum, also known as dung moss or petticoat moss, is a genus of moss that is well known for its entomophily. It commonly grows on patches of dung or decomposing animal matter.

Etymology

The name Splachnum comes from the Ancient Greek word splachnos, meaning guts or entrails. This refers to appearance of the top of the plant's dried sporophyte - it is often red and wrinkled.[1]

Description

This genus is known for its unique sporophyte structure. Sporophytes are brightly coloured and produce an odour similar to dung meant to attract insects. This sort of chemical mimicry of decomposing matter is unique in Splachnum and closely related genera.[2]

Evolution and taxonomy

Because Splachnum grows in such specific conditions, it is used as a model species for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms necessary for co-existing in patchy habitats.[3]

Species

  • Splachnum sphaericum
  • Splachnum rubrum
  • Splachnum luteum
  • Splachnum ampullaceum
  • Splachnum adolphi-friederici
  • Splachnum austriacum
  • Splachnum melanocaulon
  • Splachnum pennsylvanicum
  • Splachnum resectum
  • Splachnum vasculosum
  • Splachnum weberbaueri

See also

References

  1. Meagher, David. "An etymology of Australian bryophyte genera. 2 — Mosses". https://www.rbg.vic.gov.au/media/u4veo2qz/muelleria_29-1-_meagher.pdf. 
  2. Marino, Paul; Raguso, Robert; Goffinet, Bernard (2009). "The ecology and evolution of fly dispersed dung mosses (Family Splachnaceae): Manipulating insect behaviour through odour and visual cues". Symbiosis 47 (2): 61–76. doi:10.1007/BF03182289. 
  3. Marino, Paul C. (1991). "Dispersal and Coexistence of Mosses (Splachnaceae) in Patchy Habitats". Journal of Ecology 79 (4): 1047–1060. doi:10.2307/2261097. ISSN 0022-0477. http://www.jstor.org/stable/2261097. 

Wikidata ☰ Q4437969 entry