Funaria hygrometrica Common Cord-moss

A common, autoicous, acrocarpous moss which forms loose carpets in bare or disturbed habitats. It is well known as a pioneer species on burnt ground sometimes occuring in spectacular amounts on burned heathland and bonfire sites. It is largely a lowland species but it does occur in the uplands along tracks and roads in conifer plantations, particularly where there is some nutrient entichment. After the heathland above Craig y Llyn was burned in 2023, huge amounts of it appeared in sheets along with Ceratodon purpureus. The swan-necked sporophytes are produced in abundance and, along with the bulb-like basal leaves, give this species an almost unmistakable appearance. Another useful identification feature of the tranlucent, egg-shaped leaves is the huge cells which can be seen with a good hand lens. Apart from the highlands of Scotland, it is found throughout Britain and is particularly widespread in the south. However, it is often erratic and unpredictable and may appear to be uncommon in some areas until it suddemly reappears in a suitable habitat. It is widespread and common in West Glamorgan.

Funaria hygrometrica was often used as the type moss for botanical studies in schools and commercially available prepared sections of moss capsules are usually from this species.