''Bryum'' is a
genus
Genus ( plural genera ) is a taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms as well as viruses. In the hierarchy of biological classification, genus comes above species and below family. In binomial nom ...
of
mosses in the family
Bryaceae. It was considered the largest genus of mosses, in terms of the number of species (over 1000), until it was split into three separate genera in a 2005 publication.
[New genera and combinations in Bryaceae (Bryales, Musci) for North America, J. R. Spence, Phytologia 87: 15-28 (2005)]
/ref> As of 2013, the classification of both ''Bryum'' and the family Bryaceae to which it belongs underwent significant changes based on DNA studies.[Genus ''Bryum'', California Moss eFlora, Jepson eFlora for CA Vascular Plants, University Herbarium, University of California]
/ref>
Description
''Bryum'' is a polyphyletic
A polyphyletic group is an assemblage of organisms or other evolving elements that is of mixed evolutionary origin. The term is often applied to groups that share similar features known as homoplasies, which are explained as a result of conver ...
genus that has high morphological variation. Bryum species generally have shorter laminal cells with short, thick, and rounded stems.[ All ''Bryum'' species exhibit narrowed cells at the margins. Bryum species can be identified through patterns of asexual reproduction, coloration features of the stem and leaf base, and the strength of the leaf border.][
]
History
The genus was described by Johann Hedwig
Johann Hedwig (8 December 1730 – 18 February 1799), also styled as Johannes Hedwig, was a German botanist notable for his studies of mosses. He is sometimes called the "father of bryology". He is known for his particular observations of sexual r ...
in 1801, with the name being derived from the Greek word for moss.John R. Spence
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* John (given name)
* John (surname)
John may also refer to:
New Testament
Works
* Gospel of John, a title often shortened to John
* First Epistle of John, often shortened to 1 John
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published a reclassification of the genus in 2005. The genus '' Ptychostomum'' was reinstated, while the genera '' Leptostomopsis'', and '' Plagiobryoides'' were created.[ The genera '' Gemmabryum'', '' Imbribryum'', and '' Rosulabryum'' were later published to further divide ''Bryum''.]
References
{{Authority control
Moss genera