mosses for id

[agrumpycow]

I didn't realise until I started to look at these just how many mosses there were that looked so similar
So if anyone can help me ID these two? Both in beech woods in Oxfordshire and photographed a couple of days ago

The piece shown in the first pic was about 20mm in length (if that is of any use!)

[oxycera]

They look familiar to me. I'll check my photos tonight if no one has come in by then.

[RobSutton]

The second one is one of the Hypnum species. A lot of them used to be lumped together as Hypnum cupressiforme but they it was split up into a number of different species a few years ago and I'm not sure which one this is. It could still be H.cupressiforme but I can't be definite.

[stigofthedump]

I agree with Rob for the second one. Hypnum spp. Cannot see much detail of the capsule/lid which could have narrowed it down a little

The second has a look of Kindbergia praelonga to me. Just an opening shot!

Vince.

[PMG]

As subjects go mosses fascinate and faze me all at the same time

Whenever I see this kind of moss my mind whispers 'eurynchium' or 'brachythecium' - the first one to my mind has a 'straggly jizz' and 'brachy' seems more compact and organised - neater looking! So on that absolute non-scientific guess I would be looking at Brachythecium rutabulum and wanting to know whether its leaves were broadly concave with long silverey hair-like tips

One tip I have - either carry a hand lens - or use binocs the wrong way round for a close look at the leaves - plus they are fascinating under a microscope and easier? poss? to ID than fungi .........

Pauline

[stigofthedump]

Sorry meant to say the first one look like Kindbergia praelonga (Eurhynchium praelongum) Mainly the density of leaves on the stem that push me in that direction. As ever I could be completely wrong!

Yes I agree Pauline a hand lens is duch a great tool to carry with you, it would certainly be easy to separate Brachythecium from Eurhynchium with one.


Vince

[Lancashire Lad]

The long awaited British Bryological Society's Mosses & Liverworts Field Guide - British Bryological Society Fieldguide - Introduction is on track for publication in January 2010.

Regards,
Mike.

[PMG]

Originally Posted by stigofthedump

Sorry meant to say the first one look like Kindbergia praelonga (Eurhynchium praelongum) Mainly the density of leaves on the stem that push me in that direction. As ever I could be completely wrong!

Yes I agree Pauline a hand lens is duch a great tool to carry with you, it would certainly be easy to separate Brachythecium from Eurhynchium with one.


Vince

Easy Vince? Well it would if I also carried the Moss Flora by Smith too No - I know what you mean - like all other categories I remember a few and can name them but I don't seem to progress that knowledge any further these days

Pauline

[stigofthedump]

Yes Mike it has been some time in the making! Just to add the keys can be downloaded and, for the most part, need nothing more than a 10X hand lens to use them.

Not that one shouldn’t buy the field guide, just a chance for folk to have a ‘go’ at bryophytes whilst they are waiting!


Vince

[RobSutton]

Originally Posted by stigofthedump

Sorry meant to say the first one look like Kindbergia praelonga (Eurhynchium praelongum) Mainly the density of leaves on the stem that push me in that direction.

Vince

That sounds good to me - I've spent a good while this morning trying to remember the new name for Eurhynchium praelongum so I could look it up on the British Bryological Society website so thanks for the new name.