Elongate Rock Moss
ExplorePlants
Elongate Rock Moss
Racomitrium elongatum
Elongate Rock Moss is a soft, green plant that grows on rocks and soil. It helps keep the ground healthy and is a cozy home for tiny creatures.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Elongate Rock Moss has slender, erect stems forming dense, cushion-like mats. Its olive-green to brownish-green leaves appear spiky when dry, creating a rugged texture. It often forms extensive, shaggy carpets over rocks.
KingdomPlantaePhylumBryophytaClassBryopsidaOrderGrimmialesFamilyGrimmiaceaeGenusNiphotrichum
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It drinks water by absorbing it directly through its leaves, not roots!
Mosses are ancient plants, older than any dinosaur that ever lived!
Scientists have even studied similar mosses growing in outer space!
This moss can completely dry out and then magically rehydrate itself!
Special abilities
Ability
Drought Shield
Elongate Rock Moss can curl its leaves tight when dry, protecting delicate parts from dehydration until rain returns.
Ability
Rock Hugger
Elongate Rock Moss has special root-like structures called rhizoids that firmly anchor it to bare rocks.
Ability
Erosion Fighter
This moss forms dense carpets that slow down water runoff, helping prevent soil erosion on steep slopes.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 1-5 cm
- Spread
- 5-20 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
Ecological connections
eaten by
Leopard Slug
Limax maximus
Slugs sometimes graze on mosses.
shelters
Snow flea
Hypogastrura nivicola
Small springtails often hide within moss cushions.
symbiotic with
Nostoc Cyanobacterium
Nostoc commune
Mosses can host nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria for nutrients.
Traits
Nonvascular
This trait characterizes plants lacking specialized vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients.
Shade Tolerant
Shade tolerant plants are adapted to grow and thrive in areas with low light levels, requiring less direct sunlight.
Cold Hardy
Cold hardy plants are able to withstand low temperatures and freezing conditions without significant damage.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's safe to touch, but be gentle and don't pull it out of its home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Elongate Rock Moss?
1-5 cm
How wide does Elongate Rock Moss spread?
5-20 cm
Is Elongate Rock Moss edible?
No
Is Elongate Rock Moss toxic?
None
What is Elongate Rock Moss's lifecycle?
Perennial
Where is Elongate Rock Moss usually found?
Mountain regions
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