Family Polytrichaceae BackNext
Mosses of this family are generally large and conspicuous. The stems are erect and long with the leaves being narrow and sharply pointed. HelpKey Genus
 - Atrichum
 - Dawsonia
 - Polytrichum
 - Polytrichadelphus
Species: Atrichum androgynum (C. Muell.) Jaeg.
Found in large patches up to 1000 mm.
Atrichum androgynum
Habitat: Soil, Forest floor
Distribution: Throughout New Zealand.
Height: 80 mm
Diameter: 20 mm
Species: Dawsonia superba Grev.
The worlds talliest moss, can grow to 500 mm.
Dawsonia superba
Habitat: Forest floor
Distribution: Throughout New Zealand.
Height: 200 mm
Width: 20 mm
Species: Polytrichum juniperinum Hedw.
Very common around the water supply dams in Auckland.
Habitat: Damp open places.
Distribution: Throughout New Zealand and world wide.
Height: 50 mm to 100 mm
Diameter: 6 mm
Species: Polytrichadelphus magellanicus (Hedw.) Mitt.
You often see capsules of different ages.
Polytrichadelphus magellanicus
Habitat: Open places on clay.
Distribution:
Throughout New Zealand.
Height: 50 mm
Diameter: 15 mm
Related Links
Polytrichum (Hair-cap Mosses)
 
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