Lanky moss

Description:

Rhytidiadelpus lorues, commonly known as "Lanky Moss" is a large, creeping, branched species of moss. This moss has a striped appearance because of the formation of the pleated leaves. The leaves are glossy, heart-shaped or cordate and grow in an irregular arrangement on pinnate branches. The leaves can grow to be 4-5 millimeters long. The coloration of the leaves on Lanky Moss range from shades of yellow to dark olive green. The stems of the plant are rigid and have a brown and red appearance. Lanky moss can grow horizontally and outward. This growth formation creates large, interwoven and unconstrained mats acting as a carpet on the surrounding area of the forest floor. Lanky Moss is seemingly prickly but the leaves are soft to the touch and have a spongy quality to them. These mats can grow up to 15 centimeters in thickness, spreading across the surface of the forest floor. They act an insulator as well as a water and nutritional retainer.-Wikipedia

Habitat:

Rhytidiadeplhus loreaus is widespread and can be found in United States, Canada and Europe. In the United States it is specifically located in southeast Alaska, California and eastern Montana. While in Canada it can be found in the providences of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Quebec. Lanky Moss can also be found in parts of Europe, mostly in mountainous regions where moisture can be trapped in shaded pockets of the mountains. It grows in north-western Europe in countries such as Norway, Iceland and Greenland. Lanky Moss is usually a coastal species that grows in moist environments, preferably in shady, dark locations. It can be found in low elevation to subalpine elevations of 4,000 ft. In coniferous forests it is a dominant species of moss that covers the forest floor. It commonly covers decomposing wood such as a fallen trees or rotting logs. Lanky Moss can also grow on rocks. It can also take on epiphytic qualities and grow at the base of living trees. Lanky Moss grows exceptionally well on soil types such as raw humus, acid humus or peat. This is due to the amount of moisture, decaying matter and nitrogen in these top layers of soil that Lanky Moss can thrive on. Rhytidiadeplhus loreus is a flourishing and abundant moss that is not at risk of extinction.-Wikipedia