brilliant red dung moss
Splachnum rubrum Hedw.
Splachnum rubrum, known as brilliant red dung moss, is a moss species in the Splachnaceae family. It is found in the Northern Hemisphere and is notable for its entomophilous nature and preference for growing on animal waste. The species is distinguished by its bright red-purple sporangia during the sporophyte stage, which can be easily observed in the wild.
Description
Splachnum rubrum is a member of the Splachnum genus and is native to regions such as Labrador, Québec, and parts of the southeastern and northeastern United States. It was first described in 1801. This moss is adapted to grow on dung and is entomophilous, relying on insects for pollination. Its sporophyte stage is marked by vivid red-purple sporangia, making it a distinctive species in its habitat.
Other common names
red dung mossbrilliant red dung moss
Distribution
Labrador · Québec · SE · NO