Physcomitrium pusillum
Common name
Moss
Synonyms
None
Family
Funariaceae
Flora category
Non-vascular – Native
Endemic taxon
No
Endemic genus
No
Endemic family
No
Current conservation status
- Conservation status of New Zealand mosses, 2014 (PDF, 583.87 kB)
The conservation status of 109 New Zealand moss taxa was assessed using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). Four taxa and one undescribed entity that were not included in previous assessments have been added to the list. The conservation status of only two taxa has changed in this assessment. A full list is presented, along with a statistical summary and brief notes on the changes. This list replaces all previous NZTCS lists for mosses. Authors: Jeremy R. Rolfe, Allan J. Fife, Jessica E. Beever, Patrick J. Brownsey and Rodney A. Hitchmough.
- Conservation status of New Zealand hornworts and liverworts, 2014 (PDF, 695.44 kB)
The conservation status of the New Zealand hornwort and liverwort flora is reassessed using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). A full list is presented, along with a statistical summary and brief notes on the most important changes. This list replaces all previous NZTCS lists for New Zealand hornworts and liverworts which previously had been part of a generic bryophyte conservation status assessment that included mosses. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, David Glenny, John Braggins, Matt Renner, Matt von Konrat, John Engel, Catherine Reeb and Jeremy Rolfe.
Source: NZTCS and licensed by DOC for reuse under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence.
2009 | Threatened – Nationally Critical | Qualifiers: OL, ?SO
Previous conservation status
2004 | Threatened – Nationally Critical
Distribution
Indigenous. Australia and New Zealand. North Island, Waikato River.
Detailed description
Diminutive yellowish to brownish-green matted moss of muddy ground. Stems 3-6 mm tall, interwoven. Leaves spreading 0.5-1.0 mm long; lamina spathulate, obovate or ovate-oblong, acuminate, margins nearly entire; nerve nearly continuous, reaching apex. Seta 0.5-1.0 mm long (very short) more or less hidden amongst leaves. Capsule erect, immersed subglobose, operculum conical (leaves incruved over capsule when dry), mouth narrow. Calyptra small, conical-mitriform, covering the operculum only, torn at base. male inflorescence discoid.
Fruiting
Although fruit has been seen insufficient information exists to provide any details on the timing of fruiting
Threats
Extremely vulnerable to tall, shade tolerant weeds such as Tradescantia, Glyceria and other subaquatic or shade tolerant plants inhabiting river margins. Also vulnerable to changes in water levels which in its only known habitats within a river system subjected to hydro-dam management is a serious issue for this species.
Substrate
Terricolous on muddy ground along streams and rivers
Etymology
pusillum: Insignificant, weak
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