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Breutelia spp.
breutelia moss
Southern Hemisphere and tropical mountains
SunPart Shade – Full Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Breutelia spp. is a genus of about 80 to 90 species of robust mosses in the family Bartramiaceae, distributed mainly in the Southern Hemisphere and on tropical mountains, with centres of diversity in Australasia, South America, and southern Africa. The plants form loose tufts, cushions, or spreading wefts on moist, shaded rocks, soil banks, peaty ground, and seepage slopes. Individual shoots stand 1 to 6 inches (2.5 to 15 cm) tall and are clothed in narrow, often pleated leaves that curve to one side, giving the stems a soft, plume-like look. Colour ranges from golden-green to bronze or reddish, varying with light and moisture. As a moss, Breutelia spp. has no roots, flowers, or internal water-conducting tissue; it anchors by hair-like rhizoids and absorbs moisture directly over its surface. Reproduction is by spores released from stalked capsules that ripen above the leafy shoots. The genus depends on steady humidity and shade, drying and shrinking quickly in exposed positions before reviving when moisture returns.
Native Range
Breutelia spp. is found chiefly in the Southern Hemisphere and on tropical mountains, with many species in Australia, New Zealand, South America, and southern Africa, and scattered representatives in the Northern Hemisphere. It grows on damp, shaded rock, soil, and peat in cool, humid habitats.Suggested Uses
Grown in shaded rock and bog gardens, beside water features, and in terrariums and moss gardens where humidity stays high. It forms soft, coloured mats over damp stone and peat. Its need for constant moisture limits it to consistently humid, shaded settings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 6"
Width/Spread2" - 2'
Bloom Information
As a moss, Breutelia spp. produces no flowers. It reproduces by spores released from stalked, ribbed capsules that mature above the shoots, mostly through the cooler, wetter months. Wind disperses the spores.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
golden-green to reddishGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs