At a glance
Essentials
- Size
- Gametophyte of 3-15 mm; seta up to 4 cm. The range may vary with age, sex and population.
- Distribution
- Cosmopolitan; frequent in temperate zones and in central Europe.
- Habitat
- Moist and shaded soils, walls, rock crevices, post-fire zones, and places disturbed by humans.
- Activity
- Pioneer; rapidly colonizes exposed and disturbed soils.
Observation guide
What to look for
- 01
Long, erect, and hygroscopic seta (pedicel), which twists in a spiral as it dries and straightens with moisture.
- 02
Mature capsules of oblique pyriform shape, with deep furrows and a transparent operculum.
- 03
Small, hollow leaves with an apex incurved in a bud-like manner, with a clearly visible midrib.
- 04
Small-sized plant (gametophyte of 3-15 mm) that grows in groups or dense mats on disturbed or exposed soils.
Lighting, age and viewing angle can hide features. If identification affects consumption, handling or conservation, consult specialist sources.
Ecology
Description and characteristics
Funaria hygrometrica is a moss of the class Bryopsida and the family Funariaceae. It is characterized as a cosmopolitan and pioneer species, capable of establishing itself rapidly in exposed, moist, and disturbed soils, including areas affected by recent fires, damp walls, and rock crevices. In central Europe it is frequent, although its populations are usually ephemeral. Its scientific name refers to the hygroscopic property of its seta (the capsule pedicel), which twists like a rope in dry conditions and straightens abruptly with moisture to facilitate spore dispersal.
The gametophyte forms rosettes or mats of pale green to yellowish color, with erect stems up to 15 mm in height. The leaves are sessile, arranged in a spiral, and have an oval-lanceolate to spatulate shape, often with the apex incurved in a bud-like manner. They possess a distinct midrib and rectangular or elongated hexagonal laminal cells. The species is autogamous, with antheridia and archegonia located on separate lateral branches of the same plant, which favors self-fertilization. The sporophyte consists of an erect seta up to 4 cm long that supports a pyriform, oblique, and strongly furrowed capsule at maturity, covered by a cucullate calyptra.