Dicranoloma billardierei
Dicranoloma billardierei
Conservation Status: Not Threatened
Dicranoloma billardierei is a robust and distinctive moss native to New Zealand. It forms lush, green cushions and mats in forest environments, particularly in humid, shaded areas. This moss plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by retaining moisture, preventing soil erosion, and providing microhabitats for small invertebrates.
Image credit: Wikipedia
Quick Facts
- Type: Moss
- Family: Dicranaceae
- Height: Up to 10 cm
- Habitat: Forest floor, tree trunks, and rotting logs
- Distribution: Throughout New Zealand
Description
Dicranoloma billardierei is a robust moss species commonly found in New Zealand's native forests. It forms dense, yellowish-green to golden tufts or mats, with distinctive curved leaves that give it a characteristic appearance. The leaves are long and narrow, with a strong central nerve and finely toothed margins. Like other native mosses, it plays a crucial role in our forest ecosystems, often growing alongside Blechnum novae-zelandiae and other native ferns.
Key Features
- Forms dense, yellowish-green to golden tufts
- Curved, sickle-shaped leaves
- Strong central nerve in leaves
- Grows in various forest habitats
Habitat & Distribution
This moss species is widespread throughout New Zealand's forests, particularly in areas with moderate to high rainfall. It can be found growing alongside other native species like Asplenium bulbiferum, Leptopteris superba, and Blechnum discolor.
- Growing on forest floors
- On tree trunks and branches
- On rotting logs and stumps
- In both lowland and montane forests
Ecological Role
Dicranoloma billardierei plays several important ecological roles in New Zealand's forest ecosystems. Like other native mosses, it contributes significantly to the forest's biodiversity:
- Contributes to forest floor moisture retention
- Provides microhabitats for small invertebrates
- Assists in nutrient cycling
- Helps prevent soil erosion
Conservation
While Dicranoloma billardierei is not currently threatened, it faces several challenges in our forest ecosystems:
- Habitat loss due to deforestation
- Competition from invasive species
- Climate change impacts on forest moisture levels
- Disturbance from human activities
Related Plants
References
- Beever, J., Malcolm, W. M., & Malcolm, N. (2002). The Moss Flora of New Zealand.
- Fife, A. J. (2012). New Zealand's Native Mosses: A Field Guide.
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN)