Okay, so it's a moss.
It's still blooming, isn't it?
And here's a different species of moss blooming. At least, I think it's a different species.
I thought I was going to get into identifying some of the mosses I've photographed, so Mr. Google and I started prowling around the Net. One of the first things I found was on the Mosses page of Backyard Nature. It advised:
I thought I was going to get into identifying some of the mosses I've photographed, so Mr. Google and I started prowling around the Net. One of the first things I found was on the Mosses page of Backyard Nature. It advised:
When identifying mosses you almost always need mature capsules, for details of stalk and capsule structure vary endlessly and are important in moss identification. A capsule's minute peristome, annulus, operculum, and calyptra vary as markedly from species to species as do flower parts from one flowering species to another. The shape and arrangement of individual cells in moss leaves are also important in moss identification.
Since all these features are minuscule, here is one inescapable fact about the process of learning your neighborhood mosses:
- To identify mosses, you nearly always need a hand lens, and very often a microscope.
- Methinks I will enjoy the colors and textures of mosses and leave the identification to others.
12 comments:
"Methinks I will enjoy the colors and textures of mosses and leave the identification to others."
I was just thinking the same thing! In the words of Henry David Thoreau, "I must walk more with free senses. It is as bad to study stars and clouds as flowers and stones. I must let my senses wander as my thoughts, my eyes see without looking."
Not that studying is bad - I love to learn. But sometimes we just observe too mechanically.
I have tried to do this many a time, it is far worse than fungi... The thing is both me and my mate Pete were out in the woods today, he walked one path, I another and we both took pictures of moss in bloom. There was quite a bit of shoots to be found and the Primuli were in flower.
Great captures, and I did like the referance to Salvador Dali.. with the Lichen
Interesting photo. Also went to the link for mosses and the other that shows everything. Nice to see links like these.
Marvin love your blooms... I would like to know more about moss since they are so diverse. However I doubt I would drag my microscope out into the forest. I am usually too busy flitting from moss to lichen to mushrooms to birds and blooms... Such fun, we must not make it a job.
Wow...I never knew it would be so exacting to research moss. Guess it makes sense, though.
I agree with you; moss are cool and interesting, but the ID could give you a headache! Same with mushrooms, although I tend to try anyhow, usually driving myself to distraction. Pretty bloom for Bloom Day!
Hello Everyone,
I really appreciate everyone who visits and especially those who comment on my posts. However, it's become apparent that I cannot continue replying to comments. With my slow connection, replying is just taking up too much time. I'd rather spend that time visiting your blogs and commenting there instead of reloading my own posts.
I hope everyone understands that this isn't a slight, nor does it indicate a lack of interest in what you have to say. Keep on visiting and commenting!
Thank you and Happy Blogging
Marvin
you beat me to first bloom of 2008! LOL but surprised I didn't get a dandaline when our temps were up for a few days!
NP, Marvin! I comment because I like to, not because I necessarily need a response. I understand the situation completely & still intend to visit & comment on your blog. :)
It is very understandable about commenting on the commenting. Love the photos and the writing and will be back often.
Frances at Faire Garden
I'm in total agreement with your last statement :o)
Oh yea, blogging and commenting can sure be time-consuming! Hey, we're all in this for the fun anyway...no good if it "blogs you down" hahahahaha...I kill me. ;-)
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