Habitat

 

Pleurozium schreberi prefers drier climates along the coast with acidic and poor soils.  Other habitats include sterile litter, rock and cliff ledges, tree bases, and bogs.

 

 

 

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Gametophyte

Overall Structure:

 

Pleurozium schreberi, commonly known as “red-stem” moss, has shoots that are pleurocarpous. Shoots form loose mats on the substratum, have a pinnate branching pattern, and have a red-tinged color.

 

 

Leaf Structure:

 

 

The leaves are broadly ovate and contain a short double costa.

 

 

 

 

 

Leaf tips are apiculate, meaning the point is short and abrupt. The margins of the tip are also curled over.

 

 

Stem:

The stem is red in color, contributing to the overall red-hue of the shoots.

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Sporophyte

Sporophytes are dark red-brown when mature. Maturation commonly occurs in summer or autumn.

Sporangium:

 

 

The sporangium commonly has a ‘C’ shape. The peristome is composed of an exostome and endostome.