| Grimmia pulvinata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Grimmia pulvinata, showing silvery lanceolate leaves | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Bryophyta |
| Class: | Bryopsida |
| Subclass: | Dicranidae |
| Order: | Grimmiales |
| Family: | Grimmiaceae |
| Genus: | Grimmia |
| Species: | G. pulvinata |
| Binomial name | |
| Grimmia pulvinata | |
Grimmia pulvinata, otherwise known as grey-cushioned grimmia [3] or pulvinate dry rock moss, [4] is a bryophyte moss common in temperate climates worldwide.
Grimmia pulvinata grows in a small, cushion-like shape, around 1–2 centimeters tall. Its color ranges from a grey-green to an orange-yellow. [5] Its leaves are lanceolate, being broad and oval-shaped at the base and very narrow toward the tip. [6] They may show a silvery hue near the tip in some specimens. Its capsules are oval-shaped, and bend back into the leaves when the plant is dry, and stand out when it is moist. [5]
Grimmia pulvinata colonizes a variety of surfaces including rocks, concrete, and tree trunks. It is tolerant of a wide range of pH levels on surfaces, allowing it to live on many types of rock. [7]
However, it prefers surfaces such as old mortar and tree trunks. [8]
Grimmia pulvinata is the most common species in the genus Grimmia , with a nearly worldwide distribution. [7] It is particularly common in Britain [9] and the west coast of North America. [10] It lives primarily in temperate regions, from sea level to elevations up to 9800 feet. [7]
Grimmia pulvinata is a pioneer species, meaning it is among the first organisms to colonize habitat which has been disturbed by an event, such as a forest fire. [6] Its resistance to pollution allows it to colonize urban areas, such as roofs, walls, and tarmac. [5]
