Thatch moss  (Leptodontium gemmascens)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Thatch moss, as its name implies, is sometimes found on old thatched roofs. In the semi-natural state, it is found on the decaying bases of rush and grass tussocks, occasionally on rabbit droppings, and very rarely, on trees. It forms dull-green patches. The tiny leaves are spear-shaped with reproductive structures called gemmae at the tips. These disperse and aid the spread of the moss, and no other British moss has these gemmae on the tip of its leaves.

left