Apple moss

Description:

They are watching us!! Its common name, apple moss, comes from the shape of its spore capsule. Bartramia pomiformis typically forms cushions and tufts that range from bluish-green to yellow-green in colour. The green and toothed leaves of this species are relatively long, ranging from 4-9 mm. They are narrow and lance-shaped while the base is slightly widened and the edges often bend backwards. Sporophytes are frequent and are present at the tip of the main stems (acrocarpous). The sporangia are spherical, pale green and shiny when they are immature, which is why its common name is ‘apple moss’. When young, the sporngia are upright and become horizontal, ridged and grooved as they mature.

Habitat:

Spotted on the bare slope of a path. Parque Nacional de Monfragüe

Notes:

Camera Model: NIKON D300. Exposure Time: 1/60 sec.; f/36; ISO Speed Rating: 800. Exposure Bias: 0 EV. Focal Length: 90.0 mm. Flash fired