[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

re: moss update



Thanks for the update on your mosses Cameron. Since your earlier posting, I
have received some information from a Bryologist in the UK who identified
several samples of aquatic moss found in greenhouses and aquaria in the U.K.
This material was published in the Journal of Bryology, Vol 15, Part 3,
1989.

The first moss species was discovered growing on damp brickwork in the
Orchid House of the Univ. of Cambridge Botanic Gardens. It was at first
suspected to be Vesicularia dubyana. Upon closer examination, it was
suggested that the plant was probably V. reticulata, a species which has a
wider natural distribution than V. dubyana, and the sample matched the
published description of that species more closely than it did to V. dubyana
(it is NOT suggested that V. reticulata is native to the U.K., this was
probably just an escapee within the greenhouse). V. reticulata is naturally
found in Celebes, Sumatra, Java, the Philippines, Singapore and N.W. India.

Another moss grown in aquaria in the U.K. and initially identified as Java
Moss, obtained originally from either Java or N.E. Australia, was ultimately
identified as Glossadelphus zollingeri.

I have found references which give the name Ectropothecium as a synonym of
Glossadelphus.

In searching the web, I couldn't come up with anything of value on V.
reticulata but I did find a number of hits for G. zollingeri. Apparently,
20-30 years ago it was rather popular.
- http://www.nbat.nl/aquarium/watermossen.html (in Dutch) If anyone can read
Dutch, I'd love a translation of this page.
- http://www.accesscomm.ca/nonprofits/ras/ariticles/plant01.htm From the
Regina Aquarium Society
- http://dfendel.multimania.com/aquamag/GlossadelphusZollingeri.html (In
French) has a photo
- http://home.sunrise.ch/ivanov/plantasie.htm#java (In French) has a photo
- http://home.sunrise.ch/ivanov/plantations/plantations6.htm (In French) has
several photos

Your moss #2 might not be V. dubyana.
Your Willow Moss is probably a species of Fontinalis.

Your observation about the temperature sensitivity of Christmas Moss matches
what I have seen in my own tanks. It doesn't like really warm water - the
bit I put in my Discus tank (83F-85F) hasn't grown nearly as well as that
growing in another tank at lower temperatures (78F). I also placed a small
bit in an outside tank and it doesn't seem to like cold temperatures
(September nights here can get pretty cool).

James Purchase
Toronto