Overview
Ptychostomum is a genus of acrocarpous mosses in the family Bryaceae, made up largely of species formerly placed in Bryum. The plants form low green to yellow-green tufts and turfs usually 0.2-2 inches (0.5-5 cm) tall, often with a reddish base, on soil, rock, walls, paths, dunes, and disturbed ground in many regions. The egg-shaped to lance-shaped leaves are concave and spirally set around the stem, frequently bordered by narrow cells and tipped with a short point, becoming twisted when dry. Like other Bryaceae, the genus bears rounded, nodding spore capsules on long reddish stalks that hang like small urns. Ptychostomum was separated from Bryum on the basis of molecular and microscopic studies, and includes many common, weedy mosses of gardens, pavements, and waste ground. Several species spread by bulb-like gemmae as well as by spores, letting them colonise bare ground quickly. The genus favours open, often nutrient-rich or disturbed sites and tolerates drought by drying out and reviving when rewetted. Telling Ptychostomum from Bryum and other segregate genera usually needs a microscope.
Native Range
Ptychostomum is widespread across many regions of the world, growing on soil, rock, walls, paths, dunes, and disturbed ground. Many species are common in gardens, pavements, and waste ground in temperate and urban areas, often on nutrient-rich or disturbed sites.Suggested Uses
Ptychostomum species are grown in moss gardens, green roofs, and terraria for quick low cover, and pioneer species help stabilise bare and disturbed ground. The genus is used in bryophyte study and in tracking the reclassification of Bryum. Weedy species colonise paving, gravel, and cleared soil without help.How to Identify
Appearance
Colors
Foliage Colors
Bloom Information
Mosses do not flower. Ptychostomum reproduces by spores from nodding capsules ripening mainly in spring and summer, and many species also spread by bulb-like gemmae produced among the leaves or on underground shoots. Vegetative spread is common in weedy species.
Growing 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