Sematophyllum homomallum
bronze moss
eastern Australia and temperate Southern Hemisphere
SunPart Shade – Full Shade
WaterHigh
Overview
Sematophyllum homomallum is a small pleurocarpous moss in the family Sematophyllaceae. It forms low, spreading mats rarely more than 0.4–0.8 inch (10–20 mm) deep over rock, fallen logs, tree bases, and soil. The slender stems creep and branch irregularly, clothed in small curved leaves 0.04–0.08 inch (1–2 mm) long that turn to one side, giving the shoots a combed look. Colour ranges from bronze-green to golden, deepening to bronze in brighter, drier positions. Spore capsules are raised on short reddish stalks and are egg-shaped, ripening through the cooler, wetter months. The moss grows in shaded to partly shaded, humid sites in eastern Australia and other temperate regions. It holds moisture in its mat and tolerates short dry spells by drying out and reviving when wet, though it does not persist in hot, exposed, dry positions. As a slow-spreading mat it can take a long time to cover a surface.
Native Range
Sematophyllum homomallum occurs in eastern Australia and other temperate parts of the Southern Hemisphere. It grows in moist, shaded forest on rock, rotting wood, tree bases, and soil, often near streams and in gullies.Suggested Uses
Grown on rocks, logs, and soil in shaded, humid parts of native and woodland gardens. Used in terrariums, on moss walls, and in container arrangements where humidity stays high. Planted between stepping stones and in damp gullies as a low green cover in shade.How to Identify
Appearance
Bloom Information
Mosses do not flower; instead this species carries spore capsules on short reddish stalks. Capsules develop and ripen mainly through the cooler, wetter months. Spores are released as the capsules dry and open.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
bronze-green to goldenGrowing 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
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Sematophyllum homomallum in shade to part shade in a humid position on rock, wood, or moist soil. It needs steady moisture and high humidity and browns in hot, dry, exposed sites. It draws moisture and nutrients from rain, mist, and the surface it grows on rather than from deep soil, so it needs no fertiliser. A damp surface during establishment supports it, after which it tolerates brief drying. It grows in slightly acidic to neutral conditions. Growth is slow, and a mat takes time to spread.Pruning
Sematophyllum homomallum needs no pruning. Loose or damaged sections can be lifted away by hand to reshape a mat. Fragments that break off can re-root on damp surfaces.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons