Grimmia pulvinata
{{Short description|Species of moss}}
{{Speciesbox
| image = Polster-Kissenmoos Grimmia pulvinata.jpg
| image_caption = Grimmia pulvinata, showing silvery lanceolate leaves
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = {{cite iucn |last1=Sim-Sim |first1=M. |year=2019 |title=Grimmia pulvinata (Europe assessment) |volume=2019 |page=e.T85843346A87713761 |access-date=29 November 2024}}
(Europe regional assessment)
| status2 = G4
| status2_system = TNC
| status2_ref = {{cite NatureServe |id=2.121495 |title=Grimmia pulvinata |access-date=29 November 2024}}
| genus = Grimmia
| species = pulvinata
| synonyms =
}}
Grimmia pulvinata, otherwise known as grey-cushioned grimmia{{cite book|last=Edwards|first=Sean R.|date=2012|title=English Names for British Bryophytes|location=Wootton, Northampton|publisher=British Bryological Society|isbn=978-0-9561310-2-7|issn=0268-8034|series=British Bryological Society Special Volume|volume=5|edition=4}} or pulvinate dry rock moss,{{PLANTS|id=GRPU|taxon=Grimmia pulvinata|access-date=2017-04-25}} is a bryophyte moss common in temperate climates worldwide.
Characteristics
Grimmia pulvinata grows in a small, cushion-like shape, around 1–2 centimeters tall. Its color ranges from a grey-green to an orange-yellow.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lightscapes.info/onewithnature/natures-garden/mosses-liverworts/grey-cushioned-grimmia-grimmia-pulvinata/|title=Grey-cushioned Grimmia (Grimmia pulvinata)|date=2014-01-26|work=One With Nature|access-date=2017-04-21|language=en-US}} Its leaves are lanceolate, being broad and oval-shaped at the base and very narrow toward the tip. They may show a silvery hue near the tip in some specimens. Its capsules are oval-shaped, and bend back into the leaves when the plant is dry, and stand out when it is moist.
Habitat
Grimmia pulvinata colonizes a variety of surfaces including rocks, concrete, and tree trunks. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels on surfaces, allowing it to live on many types of rock.{{Cite web|url=http://fieldguide.mt.gov/speciesDetail.aspx?elcode=NBMUS32120|title=Grimmia pulvinata Montana Field Guide|last=Webmaster|first=David Ratz|access-date=2017-04-21}}
However, it prefers surfaces such as old mortar and tree trunks.{{Cite web|url=http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=50&taxon_id=200001287|title=Grimmia pulvinata in Bryophyte Flora of North America @ efloras.org|website=www.efloras.org|access-date=2017-04-21}}
Distribution
Grimmia pulvinata is the most common species in the genus Grimmia, with a nearly worldwide distribution. It is particularly common in Britain{{Cite web|url=http://www.naturespot.org.uk/species/grey-cushioned-grimmia|title=Grey-cushioned Grimmia – Grimmia pulvinata {{!}} NatureSpot|website=www.naturespot.org.uk|language=en|access-date=2017-04-21}} and the west coast of North America.{{Cite web|url=http://ucjeps.berkeley.edu/cgi-bin/get_moss_treatment.pl?taxon=Grimmia%20pulvinata|title=California Moss eFlora treatment for Grimmia pulvinata|website=ucjeps.berkeley.edu|access-date=2017-04-21}} It lives primarily in temperate regions, from sea level to elevations up to 9800 feet.
Ecological role
Grimmia pulvinata is a pioneer species, meaning it is among the first organisms to colonize habitat which has been disturbed by an event, such as a forest fire.{{Cite web|url=http://www.grimmiasoftheworld.com/world-checklist.html|title=World Checklist – Grimmias of the World|website=www.grimmiasoftheworld.com|access-date=2017-04-21}} Its resistance to pollution allows it to colonize urban areas, such as roofs, walls, and tarmac.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lightscapes.info/onewithnature/natures-garden/mosses-liverworts/grey-cushioned-grimmia-grimmia-pulvinata/|title=Grey-cushioned Grimmia (Grimmia pulvinata)|date=2014-01-26|work=One With Nature|access-date=2017-04-21|language=en-US}}