Status: Native
Synonyms:
Bryum violaceum Crundwell & Nyholm
Gemmabryum violaceum is rather easily recognizable by virtue of its violet colored rhizomes.
The rhizoidal tubers are usually smaller than 100 microns and are purple-red to orange. Especially in
comparison to Gemmabryum valparaisense with which it grows in mixed tufts, G. violaceum has a short excurrent
but noticable slender awn.
Thanks to John Brinda for helping us ID this moss!
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Gemmabryum violaceum, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Rattlesnake Canyon, May 11, 2016
Gemmabryum violaceum on the right and G. valparaisense on the left for comparison, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Rattlesnake Canyon, May 11, 2016
Gemmabryum violaceum, photomicrograph of single stem, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Rattlesnake Canyon, May 11, 2016
Gemmabryum violaceum, dark field photomicrograph of single stem, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Rattlesnake Canyon, May 11, 2016
Gemmabryum violaceum, photomicrograph of violet rhizoids and orange rhizoidal tuber, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Carlsbad Caverns National Park, Rattlesnake Canyon, May 11, 2016
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