Cyathophorum bulbosum
quill moss
Overview
Cyathophorum bulbosum is a moss with flattened, frond-like shoots that resemble small fern fronds, growing 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long. The leaves are arranged in two opposite rows along the stem with a third row of smaller underleaves, giving each shoot a flattened, two-dimensional form. Leaves are translucent and green, oval to lance-shaped, about 0.08-0.16 inch (2-4 mm) long, with toothed margins. The shoots arise from creeping stems that attach to the substrate, forming loose, spreading patches. Reproduction is by spores; capsules are borne on short stalks among the leaves rather than raised well above them. The moss grows on shaded, damp surfaces such as soil banks, rock faces, rotting logs, and tree bases in wet forest. It needs steady humidity and shade, and the fronds dry and shrivel if exposed to direct sun or drying wind.
Native Range
Native to eastern and south-eastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, and also to New Zealand. Grows in wet sclerophyll forest and rainforest, on shaded soil banks, rocks, logs, and tree bases in consistently moist, humid conditions.Suggested Uses
Grown in terrariums, shaded fernhouses, and damp, sheltered garden niches that stay humid. It suits moss gardens and shaded rockwork where soils and surfaces remain consistently moist. It is not suited to open, sunny, or dry positions.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1" - 3"
Width/Spread2" - 8"
Bloom Information
This moss does not flower. It reproduces by spores released from short-stalked capsules, which mature mainly in the cooler, wetter months. Spore production depends on steady moisture and is reduced in drier conditions.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
Translucent greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 2 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in deep shade in steadily moist, humid sites on soil, rock, logs, or tree bases. It needs consistent moisture and shelter from direct sun and drying wind, which cause the fronds to shrivel. It is sometimes grown in terrariums and shaded, humid containers that hold moisture. Drying out for extended periods can kill the shoots, which recover less readily than turf-forming mosses. Dense leaf litter or competing growth can smother the spreading patches. It has no role as a sun or border plant.Pruning
No pruning applies to this moss. Fallen leaves and debris can be cleared from the patches to keep light and air reaching the shoots. Damaged or dried fronds are left to break down or are gently removed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons