''Thamnobryum angustifolium'', the Derbyshire feathermoss,
is a species of
moss
Mosses are small, non-vascular flowerless plants in the taxonomic division Bryophyta (, ) '' sensu stricto''. Bryophyta (''sensu lato'', Schimp. 1879) may also refer to the parent group bryophytes, which comprise liverworts, mosses, and hor ...
in the
Neckeraceae
Neckeraceae is a moss family in the order Hypnales. There are about 200 species native to temperate and tropical regions. Most grow on rocks, or other plants.
Description
Members of the family are usually large and glossy plants with creeping st ...
family. It is
endemic to
Derbyshire, England,
being restricted to a single
SSSI
A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Great Britain or an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) in the Isle of Man and Northern Ireland is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom and Isle of ...
, where the main colony covers about of a single rock face, with small subsidiary colonies nearby. Threats include disturbance from cavers and climbers, collection by
bryologists, pollution of the spring in which it grows, and
desiccation
Desiccation () is the state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying. A desiccant is a hygroscopic (attracts and holds water) substance that induces or sustains such a state in its local vicinity in a moderately sealed container.
...
during periods of drought.
Its natural
habitat is
rivers.
Because of its extreme rarity and localised occurrence, the species has its own individual
Biodiversity Action Plan and is included on a list of the world's most threatened bryophytes.
The plant is similar to the common ''Thamnobryum alopecurum'', but can be distinguished from it by the structure of the branch leaves, which are narrower, very strongly toothed, parallel-sided and have a broad nerve. The leaves of ''T. cataractarum'' are less strongly toothed but they have an even broader nerve.
References
Endemic flora of England
Neckeraceae
Critically endangered plants
Environment of Derbyshire
Taxonomy articles created by Polbot
{{Bryophyte-stub