Story: Mosses

Structure

Structure

This diagram of Dicranoloma robustum, common in forest and tussock grasslands, shows the main parts of a typical moss. The leafy stem supports a wiry stalk bearing a spore capsule. A young spore capsule has a protective hood (calyptra) and lid (operculum), which are shed when the capsule matures. Rhizoids anchor the moss to its substrate.

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Source: Jessica Beever and others, The mosses of New Zealand. Dunedin: Otago University Press, 1992, p. 46

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How to cite this page:

Maggy Wassilieff, 'Mosses - Life cycle and habitat', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10636/structure (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Maggy Wassilieff, published 24 Sep 2007