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Natural Perspective

The Plant Kingdom: Dendroalsia (Balsam-tree Moss)

(Last modified: 4 May 2015)

Balsam-tree Moss (Dendroalsia abietina, above) is a substantial moss found growing on trees and rocks. The moss typically grows in mats which may fully envelop the tree trunk.

Individually, the fresh gametophytes looks quite distinctive -- as if you were looking at the profile of a pine tree (above, left). When it dries, Balsam-tree Moss curls up like the scroll of a violin (above, right), only to unfurl when it comes in contact with water.

The sporophyte grows on a very short stalk (left).

Phylum: Bryophyta (mosses)

Class: Bryopsida =Musci (True Mosses)

Order: Hypnales

Family: Leucodontaceae =Cryphaeaceae

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Credits:

Collaboration and inspiration thanks to Susan Kornfeld

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Special thanks to Claire Doyle Ragin for scanning some early photos

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