Overview
Lewinskya affinis is a small acrocarpous moss of the family Orthotrichaceae, formerly placed in Orthotrichum spp. as Orthotrichum affine. It forms dark green to yellowish-green cushions and tufts 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) tall on the bark of trees and shrubs, and occasionally on rock. The lance-shaped leaves are 0.08-0.16 inch (2-4 mm) long with recurved margins; when dry they press inward and twist slightly, and when moistened they spread outward. Spore capsules are narrowly cylindrical and ribbed with eight longitudinal ridges, held partly immersed to shortly emergent above the leaves, and are covered when young by a hairy calyptra. The capsules mature mainly in winter and spring, releasing spores through a double peristome. The moss attaches by rhizoids rather than true roots and draws moisture directly from rain and humid air. It grows on the trunks and branches of broadleaved trees such as willow, elm, and ash, favoring well-lit, nutrient-enriched bark. It is sensitive to prolonged drought and to polluted air, thinning where bark stays dry or where sulphur dioxide levels are high. Native across Europe, it ranges into North Africa and western Asia.
Native Range
Lewinskya affinis is native to Europe, where it is widespread, and extends into North Africa and western Asia. It is a frequent epiphytic moss on broadleaved trees across the British Isles.Suggested Uses
Contributes to bark epiphyte communities and is used as an indicator of air quality in bryophyte surveys. The cushions hold moisture and shelter micro-invertebrates on tree trunks.How to Identify
Appearance
Bloom Information
As a moss it produces spore capsules rather than flowers. Capsules develop through autumn and ripen in winter and early spring, when spores are shed through a double peristome.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark green to yellowish-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
• 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