Plant · GBIF taxon 12254365
Anomalous Bristle-moss
Orthotrichum anomalumAlso known as Anomalous Wood-moss
Anomalous bristle-moss forms dense, dark olive-green to brownish cushions perched on dry calcareous stones, old masonry, and exposed rock faces. Unlike many of its tree-dwelling relatives, this species specializes on saxicolous surfaces, holding moisture through tightly overlapping leaves that twist slightly when dry. Distinctive cylindrical spore capsules rise noticeably above the foliage on short stalks, ripening from late winter into spring.
BryophyteSaxicolousSpore-bearing
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Gastropods (snails and slugs)
- Microarthropods (mites and springtails)
ThreatsAir pollution, substrate destruction, and wall cleaning or mortar repointing
HabitatsLimestone rocks, concrete walls, tombstones, and calcareous boulders
Life spanPerennial (clones persist indefinitely)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderOrthotrichales
- FamilyOrthotrichaceae
- GenusOrthotrichum
- SpeciesOrthotrichum anomalum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Hand Lens: Use a 10x or 20x loupe to inspect the grooved capsules and hairy calyptrae.
- Hydration Test: Mist a dry cushion with water to watch the leaves unfurl within seconds.
- Substrate Care: Avoid scraping or dislodging cushions from delicate rock surfaces.
Image unavailableEcological Peer 
Close Relative (c) Bartosz Czołczyński, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jerry Lanfear, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jerry Lanfear · cc-by
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Ecosystem chain
The Forest Floor
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