Moss <i>Rhachitheciopsis tisserantii</i> (IMAGE)

University of Connecticut

Moss <i>Rhachitheciopsis tisserantii</i>

Caption

The structure in the picture below, for example, is from a moss that grows on the African Savanna. In its dry form, the flower-like cup -- called a peristome -- extends upward, supported by the twisted stalk. As soon as it rains, the tissues absorb water and the stalk unwinds, bends downward, and hides the capsule among the leaves to prevent dispersal of spores when the air is moist.

Credit

Bernard Goffinet/UConn Photo

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