Taxiphyllum barbieri
Taxiphyllum barbieri, known as Java moss or Bogor moss, is a moss belonging to the family Hypnaceae.[1][2] Native to southeast Asia, it is commonly used in freshwater aquariums. It attaches to rocks, roots, and driftwood. In the wild, it grows in humid riparian areas.[3]
| Java moss | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Bryophyta |
| Class: | Bryopsida |
| Subclass: | Bryidae |
| Order: | Hypnales |
| Family: | Hypnaceae |
| Genus: | Taxiphyllum |
| Species: | T. barbieri |
| Binomial name | |
| Taxiphyllum barbieri (Cardot & Copp.) Z. Iwats. | |
It was originally described as Isopterygium barbieri from Vinh, Vietnam.[4]
Description
The species is dioecious and perennial. It forms loose cushions of irregularly arranged branches. Leaves are two ranked and flat.[3] It has only been recorded in the wild in Vietnam.[5]
Cultivation and uses
In the aquarium trade, Java moss can refer to either Taxiphyllum barbieri or Vesicularia dubyana, and it can be difficult to distinguish between the species.[3][6] T. barbieri was first introduced to European aquarists in 1968, where it was initially misidentified as Glossadelphus zollingeri.[3]
T. barbieri is one of the most common mosses in the aquarium trade. It does not require any special attention and propagates readily. It accepts all kinds of water, even weakly brackish, and all kinds of light qualities. It grows best at 68 to 86 °F (20 to 30 °C), but can live in temperatures out of this range.[3] It makes a good foreground plant. Due to its clinging nature, Java moss can also be made into a moss carpet.[5]
It is especially popular among aquarists raising fry (baby fish) and tadpoles, to protect them from cannibalistic adults. Some shrimp like to feed on the various microorganisms and detritus that collect on the moss.[5]
Java moss can be easily propagated via division. It is suitable for both aquatic and terrestrial cultivation in vivariums.[5] Spore capsules are rarely formed in cultivation.[3]
See also
- Vesicularia montagnei, also known as "Christmas moss" or "Brazil moss"
References
- Goffinet, B.; Buck, W. R.; Shaw, A. J. (2008). "Morphology and Classification of the Bryophyta". In Goffinet, B.; Shaw, J. (eds.). Bryophyte Biology (2nd ed.). New York City: Cambridge University Press (CUP). pp. 55–138. ISBN 978-0-521-87225-6.
- Goffinet, B.; Buck, W.R. (4 March 2014). "Classification of extant moss genera". Classification of the Bryophyta. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
- Kasselmann, Christel (2020). Aquarium Plants. Teltow, Germany. p. 558. ISBN 978-3-00-064912-7.
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - "Type of Isopterygium barbieri Cardot & Copp. [family HYPNACEAE]". JSTOR.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - "Taxiphyllum barbieri - Java moss". Flowgrow. Retrieved 9 February 2022.
- Tan, B. C.; Loh, K. L.; Gan, C. W. (2005). "A case of mistaken identity? What is the true identity of Java Moss and other aquarium mosses sold in Singapore shops?" (PDF). Singapore Scientist. 102: 8–11. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-04.