Wall Screw-moss
ExplorePlants
Wall Screw-moss
Tortula muralis
Wall Screw-moss is a tiny green plant that loves to grow on walls and rocks. It looks like a soft carpet and helps keep the environment healthy by holding onto soil and water.
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The Wall Screw-moss is a small plant forming dense, velvety mats. Its leaves are bright green when wet, but curl tightly and become duller when dry, giving them a distinctive screw-like appearance. It often grows in circular patches.
KingdomPlantaePhylumBryophytaClassBryopsidaOrderPottialesFamilyPottiaceaeGenusTortula
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its tiny spores can travel huge distances in the wind, helping it spread to new walls and roofs.
Mosses like this one are among the oldest land plants on Earth, evolving over 450 million years ago!
Some mosses can survive being frozen solid for years, then simply thaw out and start growing again!
Wall Screw-moss doesn't have true roots; it uses tiny rhizoids just to anchor itself, not to absorb water!
Special abilities
Ability
Water Wizardry
Wall Screw-moss can dry out completely and appear dead, only to rehydrate and revive when water becomes available.
Ability
Spore Slingers
Wall Screw-moss has a specialized capsule with twisted 'teeth' that help slowly release its tiny spores into the wind.
Ability
Rock Hugger
Wall Screw-moss can anchor itself to bare, hard surfaces like concrete and rock, thriving where other plants can't.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 0.5-2 cm
- Spread
- 2-5 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
eats
Garden Snail
Cornu aspersum
Snails graze on the moss mats.
shelters
Common Springtail
Isotoma viridis
Tiny springtails find shelter and moisture within the moss cushions.
shelters
Water Bear
Macrobiotus hufelandi
Microscopic water bears live protected within the moss's damp environment.
Traits
Nonvascular
This trait characterizes plants lacking specialized vascular tissues (xylem and phloem) for transporting water and nutrients.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's safe to touch, but be gentle to protect the moss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Wall Screw-moss?
0.5-2 cm
How wide does Wall Screw-moss spread?
2-5 cm
Is Wall Screw-moss edible?
No
Is Wall Screw-moss toxic?
None
What is Wall Screw-moss's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Wall Screw-moss pollinated?
Wind
Where is Wall Screw-moss usually found?
Urban areas
Snap Map
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