Status:
valid
Authors:
(Hook.) Mitt.
Source:
tro
Year:
1869
Citation Micro:
Journal of the Linnean Society, Botany 12: 609. 1869
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001160389
Common Names
- Polytrichadelphus giganteus
- Giganteus Polytrichadelphus
- Polytrichadelphus Giganteus
Description
Polytrichadelphus giganteus (also called Giganteus Polytrichum Moss, among many other common names) is a species of moss in the Polytrichaceae family. It is a large moss with a stem up to 10 cm long and leaves up to 4 mm long. It is found in New Zealand, growing in wet, shady places, such as on the banks of streams and in forests.
Uses & Benefits
Polytrichadelphus giganteus is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a source of food for livestock. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Polytrichadelphus giganteus has small, yellowish-green flowers that are borne on long, thin stems. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings are small and delicate.
Cultivation and Propagation
Polytrichadelphus giganteus can be propagated by division or by spores. It prefers moist, acidic soils and partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of temperatures and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5-9.
Where to Find Polytrichadelphus giganteus
Polytrichadelphus giganteus is found in temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America.
Species in the Polytrichadelphus genus
Polytrichadelphus archboldii,
Polytrichadelphus ciliatus,
Polytrichadelphus giganteus,
Polytrichadelphus grossidens,
Polytrichadelphus innovans,
Polytrichadelphus integrifolius,
Polytrichadelphus longisetus,
Polytrichadelphus magellanicus,
Polytrichadelphus nukahivensis,
Polytrichadelphus peruvianus,
Polytrichadelphus pseudopolytrichum,
Polytrichadelphus rubescens,
Polytrichadelphus spinosus,
Species in the Polytrichaceae family
Alophosia azorica,
Atrichopsis compressa,
Atrichopsis angulata,
Atrichopsis australis,
Atrichopsis bellii,
Atrichopsis capensis,
Atrichopsis crispula,
Atrichopsis erosa,
Atrichopsis laxifolia,
Atrichopsis mexicana,
Atrichopsis minima,
Atrichopsis tapes,
Atrichopsis tenuirostris,
Atrichopsis tetragona,
Atrichopsis trichodon,
Atrichopsis tristaniensis,
Atrichum cylindricum,
Atrichum altecristatum,
Atrichum longifolium,
Atrichum androgynum,
Atrichum angustatum,
Atrichum crispulum,
Atrichum crispum,
Atrichum flavisetum,
Atrichum muelleri,
Atrichum oerstedianum,
Atrichum polycarpum,
Atrichum rhystophyllum,
Atrichum selwynii,
Atrichum subserratum,
Atrichum tenellum,
Atrichum undulatum,
Atrichum yakushimense,
Atrichum laoshanense,
Bartramiopsis lescurii,
Dawsonia beccarii,
Dawsonia gigantea,
Dawsonia grandis,
Dawsonia insignis,
Dawsonia lativaginata,
Dawsonia longiseta,
Dawsonia papuana,
Dawsonia polytrichoides,
Dawsonia pullei,
Dawsonia superba,
Dendroligotrichum tongariroense,
Dendroligotrichum dendroides,
Dendroligotrichum squamosum,
Hebantia rigida,
Itatiella ulei,