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Splachnum, also known as dung moss or petticoat moss, is a genus of moss that is well known for its entomophily. It commonly grows on patches of dung or decomposing animal matter.


Etymology

The name ''Splachnum'' comes from the Ancient Greek word ''splachnos'', meaning guts or entrails. This refers to appearance of the top of the plant's dried
sporophyte A sporophyte () is the diploid multicellular stage in the life cycle of a plant or alga which produces asexual spores. This stage alternates with a multicellular haploid gametophyte phase. Life cycle The sporophyte develops from the zygote pr ...
- it is often red and wrinkled.


Description

This genus is known for its unique sporophyte structure. Sporophytes are brightly coloured and produce an odour similar to dung meant to attract insects. This sort of chemical mimicry of decomposing matter is unique in ''Splachnum'' and closely related genera.


Evolution and taxonomy

Because ''Splachnum'' grows in such specific conditions, it is used as a model species for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms necessary for co-existing in patchy habitats.


Species

* ''
Splachnum sphaericum ''Splachnum sphaericum'', also known as pinkstink dung moss, is a species of moss. This species occurs in North America. It also occurs in upland Britain, where it is known as round-fruited collar-moss and in north temperate and boreal regions of ...
'' * '' Splachnum rubrum'' * ''
Splachnum luteum Splachnum, also known as dung moss or petticoat moss, is a genus of moss that is well known for its entomophily. It commonly grows on patches of dung or decomposing animal matter. Etymology The name ''Splachnum'' comes from the Ancient G ...
'' * ''
Splachnum ampullaceum Splachnum, also known as dung moss or petticoat moss, is a genus of moss that is well known for its entomophily. It commonly grows on patches of dung or decomposing animal matter. Etymology The name ''Splachnum'' comes from the Ancient G ...
'' * '' Splachnum adolphi-friederici'' * ''Splachnum austriacum'' * ''Splachnum melanocaulon'' * ''Splachnum pennsylvanicum'' * ''Splachnum resectum'' * ''Splachnum vasculosum'' * ''Splachnum weberbaueri''


See also

*
Bryophyta Bryophyta may refer to: * Mosses – Bryophyta in the strict sense; a specific group of leafy nonvascular plants, now regarded as Division Bryophyta * Bryophytes – Bryophyta in the broad sense; a group of plants regarded as a single division by ...
* Entomophily


References

Moss genera Splachnales {{Bryophyte-stub