The Sexy Moss

Entodon seductrix is also known as the carpet moss. Commonly found on rotting logs in huge mats of green. This moss is definitely one of my favorite. It has red capsules that may have given this species its name.

Sporophyte

The sporophyte in mosses is a capsule on a seta. A seta is the long stalk that the capsule perches on. The seta normally grows to the edge of the boundry layer. A layer of protection provided by turbulent wind. Once above the boundry layer, wind moves faster and will eventually spread the spores produced by the capsule. The capsule will have a calyptra (an outer coating, and the remains of the archegonia). In some moss the Calyptra is hairy, thus the name "hair cap mosses". The calyptra will fall off revealing an operculum. The Operculum is a cap that sits on the end of the capsule. The operculum will also fall off when the time is right. Under the operculum is a set of teeth, a peristome. These teeth open and close releasing spores into the air.

Costa

The costa on a moss leaf is similar to a midrib on a "normal" leaf. In moss, some costas are two pronged, others are extremely short. Some costas extend past the leaf other end shortly after beginning. Some moss don't even have a costa! None the less, they can prove a useful identifying character.