Fissidens

Comb - tooth gap Moos ( Fissidens cristatus)

Fissidens is a genus of mosses that form their own family Fissidentaceae. The representatives are characterized by a very peculiar leaf position and leaf structure. The dreischeitelige apical cell, with all mosses grow here formed soon after their formation by a two-edged. Accordingly, the leaves are strictly in two rows on the stems, and in such a way that the leaf blades with the stems form a plane. This get the moss plant the appearance of small fronds.

The leaves themselves are composed of two parts of the leaf, the upper wing and the lower wings that are folded boat-shaped.

The Peristom the Fissidentaceae comprises 16 teeth which are each split into two parts. Therefore, the Moose also have their name gap tooth Moose.

Among the species of the family there are many heat - and moisture- loving species, which is why the majority occur in the tropics. But a few species occur in the Arctic.

System

The Fissidentaceae family is placed in the order Dicranales. It consists of a genus with about 440 species. In the past, the species were divided into several classes, including Nanobryum and Octodiceras.

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland more common types are:

• Fissidens adianthoides
• Fissidens bryoides
• Fissidens crassipes
• Fissidens dubius
• Fissidens exilis
• Fissidens gracilifolius
• Fissidens pusillus
• Fissidens taxifolius