365 mosses: day 141

This is Aulacomnium palustre. Distinctive features of this species include densely packed rhizoids amongst its leaves on the lower stem, rounded leaf cells, and a midvein that ends shortly before the end of the leaf and is often not quite straight. Like the midvein, the leaf margins are also often a little irregular. Aulacomnium palustre usually grows in ephemeral wetlands, pond margins or wet pastures. It is native to the northern hemisphere and introduced in Aotearoa. Globally, this species is found in every continent except Antarctica. Aulacomnium palustre is widespread and common in suitable habitats in the South Island, but appears to be absent from the North Island – a distribution pattern which is surprising, given the widespread distribution of the species in the South Island and globally.
Cuteness: 9/10
Distinctiveness: 9.7/10
LMR: 7/10

Posted on July 23, 2025 09:26 AM by fuligogirl