The Fissidens story is most unusual because each leaf bears an extra "page" attached like an author's addendum. No definite reason for this strange structure is known. It may be for the absorption of moisture and nutrients; or it may be a device for water storage. The family name means "split tooth" and refers to the teeth of the capsule tip. But the "split leaf" identifies this moss just as readily. They grow on bare soil near water, or on shady hillsides and backyards. The rhizoids, reaching unusually deep, bind the surface in clods.

Fissidens is obviously a very cosmopolitan genera, with journal articles from the Himalayas to New Zealand concerning its habitats and DNA features. Our PBIO 307 class located this moss near the waterfall of Ash Cave, Hocking County, Ohio.

Fissidens taxifolius is known to grow on clay banks in partial shade as well.

Descriptions, illustrations, and New Zealand distribution maps are linked for two species of Fissidens recently found in New Zealand. Fissidens taxifolius Hedw., a species widespread in the Northern Hemisphere and known also from South America and Papua New Guinea, is common in modified habitats in the north of the North Island, and has been found in a few scattered localities further south. It is suggested that the species may be a recent introduction to New Zealand.

Cytological studies on some West Himalayan (Asia) mosses.show that the following chromosome numbers are reported for West Himalayan mosses: Fissidens taxifolius Hedw. (n = 12).

KUMAR S S; NARULA N Author Address DEP. BOTANY, PANJAB UNIV., CHANDIGARH-14, INDIA. Title CYTOLOGICAL STUDIES ON SOME WEST HIMALAYAN ASIA MOSSES

Author Beever, Jessica E.; Stone, Ilma G. Author Address c/o Landcare Res. New Zealand Ltd., Mt. Albert Res. Cent., Private Bag 92170, Auckland, New Zealand. Studies of Fissidens (Bryophyta: Musci) in New Zealand: Fissidens taxifolius Hedw. and Fissidens integerrimus Mitt. Appears In New Zealand Journal of Botany 30(3) 1992. 237-246.

http://www.wicken.org.uk/mosses.htm
http://www.ijon.de/moose/geni/fissidens.html
http://www.wmuma.com/moss/dtm06.htm

Written by Patrick Mingus
May 2001