Species
Physcomitrium pusillum
Etymology
pusillum: Insignificant, weak
Common Name(s)
Moss
Current Conservation Status
2009 - Threatened - Nationally Critical
Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2012
The conservation status of all known New Zealand vascular plant taxa at the rank of species and below were reassessed in 2012 using the New Zealand Threat Classification System (NZTCS). This report includes a statistical summary and brief notes on changes since 2009 and replaces all previous NZTCS lists for vascular plants. Authors: Peter J. de Lange, Jeremy R. Rolfe, Paul D. Champion, Shannel P. Courtney, Peter B. Heenan, John W. Barkla, Ewen K. Cameron, David A. Norton and Rodney A. Hitchmough. File size: 792KB
Previous Conservation Status
2004 - Threatened - Nationally Critical
Qualifiers
2009 - OL, ?SO
Authority
Physcomitrium pusillum Hook.f. & Wilson
Family
Funariaceae
Flora Category
Non Vascular - Native
Synonyms
None
Distribution
Indigenous. Australia and New Zealand. North Island, Waikato River.
Features
Diminutive yellowish to brownish-green matted moss of muddy ground. Stems 3-6 mm tall, interwoven. Leaves spreading 0.5-1.0 mm long; lamina spathulate, obovate or ovate-oblong, acuminate, margins nearly entire; nerve nearly continuous, reaching apex. Seta 0.5-1.0 mm long (very short) more or less hidden amongst leaves. Capsule erect, immersed subglobose, operculum conical (leaves incruved over capsule when dry), mouth narrow. Calyptra small, conical-mitriform, covering the operculum only, torn at base. male inflorescence discoid.
Fruiting
Although fruit has been seen insufficient information exists to provide any details on the timing of fruiting
Threats
Extremely vulnerable to tall, shade tolerant weeds such as Tradescantia, Glyceria and other subaquatic or shade tolerant plants inhabiting river margins. Also vulnerable to changes in water levels which in its only known habitats within a river system subjected to hydro-dam management is a serious issue for this species.
Endemic Taxon
No
Endemic Genus
No
Endemic Family
No
This page last updated on 17 Jul 2011