''Hypnum'' is a genus of
mosses
Mosses are small, non-vascular flowerless plants in the taxonomic division Bryophyta (, ) ''sensu stricto''. Bryophyta ('' sensu lato'', Schimp. 1879) may also refer to the parent group bryophytes, which comprise liverworts, mosses, and h ...
belonging to the family
Hypnaceae.
The genus has
cosmopolitan distribution.
A
common name
In biology, a common name of a taxon or organism (also known as a vernacular name, English name, colloquial name, country name, popular name, or farmer's name) is a name that is based on the normal language of everyday life; and is often contra ...
sometimes used for ''Hypnum'' moss is "carpet moss".
Distribution
''Hypnum'' species are found on all continents except for
Antarctica
Antarctica () is Earth's southernmost and least-populated continent. Situated almost entirely south of the Antarctic Circle and surrounded by the Southern Ocean, it contains the geographic South Pole. Antarctica is the fifth-largest co ...
.
Species are typically found in temperate regions.
Habitat
''Hypnum'' species are typically found in moist forest areas on rotting logs, while some species are aquatic.
Species can also be found living on soil, rocks, and live trees.
Identification
Identifying moss species in the field to the genus ''Hypnum'' by using a
hand lens is considered quite feasible since most ''Hypnum'' species share common features with one another.
A very useful defining characteristic of ''Hypnum'' mosses are their leaves which are often
falcate
The following is a list of terms which are used to describe leaf morphology in the description and taxonomy of plants. Leaves may be simple (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several leaflets). The edge of the leaf may be regular o ...
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