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Description
Orthotrichum Lyellii is a species of moss that belongs to the family Orthotrichaceae. It is commonly known as Lyell’s bristle moss, named after Sir Charles Lyell, a British geologist who was one of the pioneers of modern geology. Orthotrichum Lyellii is found in Europe, Asia, and North America, and it typically grows on rocks, tree trunks, and soil. This moss species has a unique feature of being able to tolerate pollution, making it an excellent indicator of air quality in urban areas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Bryophyta |
| Class | Bryopsida |
| Order | Orthotrichales |
| Family | Orthotrichaceae |
| Genus | Orthotrichum |
Appearance
Orthotrichum Lyellii has a unique appearance with its upright, unbranched stems that can reach up to 1 cm in height. The leaves are long, narrow, and pointed, with a toothed edge. They are arranged in a spiral pattern around the stem, giving the plant a distinctive look. The color of the plant ranges from green to yellow-green, and it can turn brown with age. The moss produces capsules that contain spores for reproduction.
Care Guide
Orthotrichum Lyellii is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips on how to take care of this moss species:Water: Orthotrichum Lyellii prefers moist environments but can tolerate periods of dryness. Water the moss regularly, but make sure not to overwater it.Fertilization: Orthotrichum Lyellii does not require fertilization.Soil: This moss species does not require soil but prefers to grow on rocks, tree trunks, and soil.Sunlight: Orthotrichum Lyellii prefers partial shade but can also tolerate full sunlight.Hardiness Zones: This moss species can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Orthotrichum Lyellii is a relatively disease-free plant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal infections if grown in damp and humid conditions. It is also prone to damage from slugs and snails, which can eat the leaves and stem.
Habitat
Orthotrichum Lyellii is a versatile plant that can grow in a variety of habitats, including forests, rocky outcrops, and urban areas. It is commonly found growing on rocks, tree trunks, and soil. Its ability to tolerate pollution makes it an excellent indicator of air quality in urban environments.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Orthotrichum Lyellii a flowering plant?A: No, Orthotrichum Lyellii is a non-flowering moss species.Q: Can Orthotrichum Lyellii grow in full sunlight?A: Yes, Orthotrichum Lyellii can tolerate full sunlight but prefers partial shade.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Orthotrichum Lyellii?A: Orthotrichum Lyellii can grow in hardiness zones 3-9.Q: Can Orthotrichum Lyellii grow on soil?A: Yes, Orthotrichum Lyellii can grow on soil but prefers to grow on rocks and tree trunks.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Orthotrichum Lyellii:- Orthotrichum anomalum- Orthotrichum diaphanum- Orthotrichum tenellum- Orthotrichum pumilum
References
– “Orthotrichum Lyellii.” Flora of North America. eFloras, Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2021.- “Orthotrichum Lyellii.” Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2021.- “Orthotrichum Lyellii.” The Plant List. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 20 Sept. 2021.
