Dicranum

/dɪˈkrænum/ noun

Definition

A genus of feather mosses in the Dicranaceae family, commonly found on rocks and tree bark worldwide.

Etymology

From Latin form of Greek 'dikran' (two-pronged fork), referring to the characteristic bifid leaf tips. Named as the type genus for the Dicranaceae family in the 1800s.

Kelly Says

Dicranum scoparium, the mood moss, can turn green when wet and dark brown when dry—making it a living barometer for moisture that scientists use to study air quality!

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