365Caws is now in its 14th year of publication, and was originally intended to end after 365 days. It has sometimes been difficult for me to find new material, particularly during the winter months, but now as I enter my own twilight years, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to provide daily posts. It is my hope that along the way I may have inspired someone to a greater curiosity about the natural world. If so, I can rest, content in the knowledge that my work here has been done.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
The Next Step
Day 199: Step Moss (Hylocomium splendens) is arguably the Pacific Northwest's most beautiful bryophyte. In lowland forest, it is frequently observed as a dense carpet on the woodland floor. The foliage is lacy, in shape calling to mind the leaves of vine maple, but each frond is attached to a single red stem. The stems may trail a foot or more, and their age may be determined by counting the number of feathery "leaves." Each frond represents one year's growth. The moss in this photo is taking the next "step" in its development.
Labels:
bryophytes,
Hylocomium splendens,
MORA,
Step Moss,
T Woods
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