Grimmia torquata

Twisted Grimmia

Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. A common upland moss, growing in dense cushions on rock. Tolerant of heavy metals such as lead. Leaves are twisted when dry and expanded when wet. Rarely with capsules. Reproduction is asexual, by plantlets called gemmae which can be dispersed by water.

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Dry leaves, twisted

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Wet

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Hair points

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Moss cushion

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Cushions on rock

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Gemmae germinating

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Photograph detail

Slide 1: Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. Leaves in dry, twisted state, showing white hair points. Collected from rocks on a spoil heap. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. January.

Slide 2: Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. Leaves in wet, expanded state. Collected from rocks on a spoil heap. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. January.

Slide 3: Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. Leaves in wet, expanded state, showing short, white hair points. Collected from rocks on a spoil heap. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. January.

Slide 4: Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. Cushion. Collected from rocks on a spoil heap. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. January.

Slide 5: Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. Cushions. Habitat. Rocks on a spoil heap. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. January.

Slide 6: Grimmia torquata, Twisted Grimmia. Gemmae germinating. Photographed at x400, brightfield illumination. Collected from rocks on a spoil heap. Cobscar Rake, Redmire Moor. January.