Funariales

Description

Funariales, commonly known as the cord mosses, are a group of bryophytes that are commonly found in temperate regions. They are characterized by their long, unbranched stems that grow up to 10 centimeters in height. The stems are covered in small, green leaves that grow in a spiral pattern. The leaves are usually less than 1 millimeter in length and have a pointed tip. The mosses reproduce asexually and sexually, and are known for their ability to grow on rocks, soil, and other surfaces.

Taxonomic Information

Domain: Eukarya

Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Bryophyta

Class: Bryopsida

Order: Funariales

Family: Funariaceae

Genus: Funaria

Appearance

The cord mosses have a unique appearance that makes them easy to identify. They have long, unbranched stems that are covered in small, green leaves that grow in a spiral pattern. The stems can grow up to 10 centimeters in height, and the leaves are usually less than 1 millimeter in length. The leaves have a pointed tip and are arranged in a way that gives the moss a very symmetrical appearance. The mosses may also produce sporophytes, which are small structures that grow out of the stem and produce spores.

Care Guide

Water: The cord mosses prefer moist conditions and should be watered regularly to keep the soil or substrate damp.

Fertilization: The mosses do not require fertilization, but may benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.

Soil: The cord mosses can grow on a variety of substrates, including rocks, soil, and wood. They do not require a specific type of soil.

Sunlight: The mosses prefer shaded conditions and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.

Hardiness Zones: The cord mosses can grow in a variety of hardiness zones, but are most commonly found in temperate regions.

Common Pests & Diseases

The cord mosses are generally not prone to pests or diseases, but may be susceptible to fungal infections if the substrate is too wet or the moss is overcrowded. The most common pests that may affect the mosses include mites, slugs, and snails.

Habitat

The cord mosses are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, and wetlands. They are commonly found growing on rocks, soil, and other surfaces, and may also be found growing on the bark of trees. The mosses are most commonly found in temperate regions, but can also grow in tropical and arctic regions.

Question and Answer

Q: How do cord mosses reproduce?

A: Cord mosses reproduce both asexually and sexually.

Q: What type of substrate do cord mosses prefer?

A: Cord mosses can grow on a variety of substrates, including rocks, soil, and wood.

Q: Are cord mosses prone to pests or diseases?

A: Cord mosses are generally not prone to pests or diseases, but may be susceptible to fungal infections if the substrate is too wet or the moss is overcrowded.

Q: Where are cord mosses commonly found?

A: Cord mosses are most commonly found in temperate regions, but can also grow in tropical and arctic regions.

Related Plants

• Bryopsida
• Marchantiophyta
• Anthocerotophyta

References

• Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+. Flora of North America North of Mexico. 16+ vols. New York and Oxford.
• Goffinet, B., W. R. Buck, A. J. Shaw. 2009. Bryophyte Biology, 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press.
• Smith, A. J. E. 2004. The Moss Flora of Britain and Ireland. 2nd edition. Cambridge University Press.