Grimmia pulvinata


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Grimmia pulvinata

	Grimmia pulvinata This common wall moss occurs in neat, rounded tufts up to 3 cm deep. The short, erect stems of the moss are packed together and the tuft has a greyish green, hoary appearance when dry. These tufts have been described as "mouse-like" by some observers and, from a distance, they do sometimes look like small mice.
Grimmia pulvinata The leaves of this species are broadly lanceolate with tips that have long hair-points. The white hair-points are can be seen in the image of a specimen shown here. This specimen was found in Greyfriars churchard which, like most churchyards, possesses an abundant population of mosses
	Grimmia pulvinata The capsules of Grimmia pulvinata are borne on setae which are strongly curved when moist so that the capsules are tucked in among the leaves. The setae are straighter when they are old and dry. The ovoid capsules are grooved and have red tips when young. Some old , brown, empty capsules can be seen top left in the image. This specimen was found on the East wall of Bristo Square, having found a small niche in which to grow.
Grimmia pulvinata Grimmia pulvinata is very common in the Southside and this image shows a wall in the Pleasance that is covered in tufts of the moss. Do you think the tufts have a mouse-like appearance?