''Grimmia pulvinata'', otherwise known as grey-cushioned grimmia or pulvinate dry rock moss, is a

bryophyte The Bryophyta s.l. are a proposed taxonomic division containing three groups of non-vascular land plants (embryophytes): the liverworts, hornworts and mosses. Bryophyta s.s. consists of the mosses only. They are characteristically limited in s ...

moss common in temperate climates worldwide.

Characteristics

''Grimmia pulvinata'' grows in small cushion-like shaped, around 1-2 centimeters tall. Its color ranges from a grey-green to an orange-yellow. Its leaves are

lanceolate The following is a list of terms which are used to describe leaf morphology in the description and taxonomy of plants. Leaves may be simple (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several leaflets). The edge of the leaf may be regular ...

, being broad and oval shaped at the base and very narrow toward the tip. They may show a silvery hue near the tip in some specimens. Its capsules are oval shaped, and bend back into the leaves when the plant is dry, and stand out when it is moist.

Habitat

''Grimmia pulvinata'' colonizes a variety of surfaces including rocks, concrete, and tree trunks. It is tolerant of a wide range of PH levels on surfaces, allowing it to live on many types of rock. However, it prefers surfaces such as old mortar and tree trunks.

Distribution

''Grimmia pulvinata'' is the most common species in the genus '' Grimmia'', with a nearly worldwide distribution. It is particularly common in Britain and the west coast of North America. It primarily lives in temperate regions, from sea level to elevations up to 9800 feet.

Ecological role

''Grimmia pulvinata'' is a

pioneer species Pioneer species are hardy species that are the first to colonize barren environments or previously biodiverse steady-state ecosystems that have been disrupted, such as by wildfire. Pioneer flora Some lichens grow on rocks without soil, so ...

, meaning it is among the first organisms to colonize habitat which has been disturbed by an event such as a forest fire. In addition, its resistance to

pollution Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause adverse change. Pollution can take the form of any substance (solid, liquid, or gas) or energy (such as radioactivity, heat, sound, or light). Pollutants, the ...

allows it to colonize urban areas such as roofs, walls, and tarmac.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q325331 Grimmiales