- Schistostega
Taxobox
name = "Schistostega"
image_width = 240px
image_caption = Luminous moss photographed in Japan.
name = Bryidae
regnum =Plant ae
divisio = Bryophyta
classis =Bryopsida
subclassis =Dicranidae
ordo =Dicranales
familia = Schistostegaceae
genus = "Schistostega"
species = "S. pennata"
binomial = "Schistostega pennata""Schistostega pennata", also called goblin's gold or luminous moss or luminescent moss [USDA Forest Service, [http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/04projects/pinchotprojects/documents/feis_ch3.pdf Gotchen Risk Reduction and Restoration Project] ] , is a
moss known for its glowing appearance in dark places. It is the only member of the family Schistosteagaceae. The moss's greenish-gold glowing appearance is due to the clear, spherical cells in theprotonema that can collect even the faintest light like lenses, and the chloroplasts nearby in turn give off the greenish glow from the reflected light. [http://www.stage.dnr.wa.gov/nhp/refdesk/fguide/pdf/schpen.pdf "Schistostega pennata"] . Reference Desk of the Washington Natural Heritage Program.
[http://www.botanic.jp/plants-ha/higoke.htm Japanese Botanic Garden] ]It is easily outcompeted by other mosses and plant species in open lighter areas, but its ability to reflect light allows it to grow in shady places that other plants cannot survive. It prefers damp mineral soils with a source of dim light, such as reflection from a pool, overturned tree roots, and entrances to animal burrows.
"S. pennata" is found in China, Japan, Siberia, Europe, and North America. [http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=4&taxon_id=240002105 "Schistostega pennata"] . "Moss Flora of China".]
References
External links
* [http://www.nps.gov/archive/olym/crypto/M_SCPE_lum.htm Photo from Olympic National Park] (click to enlarge) [http://www.nps.gov/archive/olym/crypto/photo/M_SCPE.jpgClose-up]
* [http://www.efloras.org/object_page.aspx?object_id=2839&flora_id=4 Scientific illustration]
* [http://www.nawwal.org/~mrgoff/photojournal/2004/sum/07-09p8goblingold.html Photos] by Matt Goff
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
