Status: Probably introduced (per J.R. Spence in FNA)
Synonyms:
Bryum demaretianum Arts
Gemmabryum demaretianum is remarkable among the genus Gemmabryum for two main reasons. First,
it usually has abundant clusters of orange-brown rhizoidal tubers found near the base of the stems. In one of the specimens
photographed here, these rhizoidal tubers numbered in the hundreds along a single stem. Then again, on a different specimen,
there weren't very many obvious rhizoidal tubers to be seen. Second, J.R. Spence in FNA states that
this species is probably "introduced in the flora area." It is rather uncommon to designate a moss as introduced. Gemmabrum
demaretianum is found in disturbed sites. No specimen from New Mexico has yet been located although it is reportedly here.
Many thanks to the California Academy of Sciences and Jim Shevock for loaning us these specimens for photography.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Gemmabryum demaretianum, collection by David Toren with Ed Dearing, California, North Coast Ranges, Clear Lake Region, reclamation area S of Upper Lake and Bloody Island S of Reclamation Cutoff Road, on bare clay soil in sun, May 1, 2016; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of stems on substrate, collection by David Toren with Ed Dearing, California, North Coast Ranges, Clear Lake Region, reclamation area S of Upper Lake and Bloody Island S of Reclamation Cutoff Road, on bare clay soil in sun, May 1, 2016; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of habit, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, Covington Flats, Covington Spring Cyn., on soil, November 5, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of single stem, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, Covington Flats, Covington Spring Cyn., on soil, November 5, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of leaf, collection by David Toren with Ed Dearing, California, North Coast Ranges, Clear Lake Region, reclamation area S of Upper Lake and Bloody Island S of Reclamation Cutoff Road, on bare clay soil in sun, May 1, 2016; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of leaf, collection by David Toren with Ed Dearing, California, North Coast Ranges, Clear Lake Region, reclamation area S of Upper Lake and Bloody Island S of Reclamation Cutoff Road, on bare clay soil in sun, May 1, 2016; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of leaf apex, collection by David Toren with Ed Dearing, California, North Coast Ranges, Clear Lake Region, reclamation area S of Upper Lake and Bloody Island S of Reclamation Cutoff Road, on bare clay soil in sun, May 1, 2016; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of leaf base, collection by David Toren with Ed Dearing, California, North Coast Ranges, Clear Lake Region, reclamation area S of Upper Lake and Bloody Island S of Reclamation Cutoff Road, on bare clay soil in sun, May 1, 2016; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of midleaf cells and margins, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, Covington Flats, Covington Spring Cyn., on soil, November 5, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of rhizoidal tuber, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, Covington Flats, Covington Spring Cyn., on soil, November 5, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of rhizoidal tuber, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, NE slope of Pinto Mountain, Pinto Mountains, soil in rock crevice, January 1, 2013; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of stem with rhizoidal tubers, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, NE slope of Pinto Mountain, Pinto Mountains, soil in rock crevice, January 1, 2013; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
Gemmabryum demaretianum, photomicrograph of stem with rhizoidal tubers, collection & ID by John C. Brinda, California, Riverside County, Joshua Tree National Park, Joshua Tree Wilderness, NE slope of Pinto Mountain, Pinto Mountains, soil in rock crevice, January 1, 2013; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, October 12, 2023
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