Beaked Beardless-moss
Weissia rostellata
Beaked Beardless-moss (Weissia rostellata) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive beaked capsules and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that lack the hair-like awns typical of many Weissia species. This diminutive bryophyte forms small, scattered patches or cushions and plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and moisture retention in its specialized microhabitats.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Pottiales
Family
Pottiaceae
Genus
Weissia
Beaked Beardless-moss belongs to the family Pottiaceae, order Pottiales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Beaked Beardless-moss (Weissia rostellata) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive beaked capsules and narrow, lance-shaped leaves that lack the hair-like awns typical of many Weissia species. This diminutive bryophyte forms small, scattered patches or cushions and plays a crucial role in soil stabilization and moisture retention in its specialized microhabitats.
Beaked Beardless-moss (Weissia rostellata) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized calcareous grassland and limestone environments. The species faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in land management practices that alter the delicate soil chemistry and microhabitat conditions it requires.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Weissia rostellata typically grows on calcareous soils, limestone outcrops, and mortar of old walls in areas with specific pH and moisture requirements. It favors partially shaded locations with consistent but not excessive moisture, often found in crevices and ledges where it can establish small colonies.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Beaked Beardless-moss (Weissia rostellata) is critically endangered primarily due to habitat loss and degradation of its specialized calcareous grassland and limestone environments. The species faces severe pressure from agricultural intensification, urban development, and changes in land management practices that alter the delicate soil chemistry and microhabitat conditions it requires.
Habitat loss from agricultural intensification
Urban development and infrastructure expansion
Changes in grazing regimes affecting habitat structure
Climate change affecting moisture and temperature regimes
Soil chemistry alteration from pollution and fertilizers
National vs Global Threat Status
How this species is assessed at the national level compared to its IUCN global status (CR).
| Country | National Status | Global Status | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU | NTNear Threatened | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | NTNear Threatened | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
National Red List data sourced from the National Red List Project (nationalredlist.org, ZSL) and country-specific Red List authorities.
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
National Red Lists: ZSL (2025). National Red List. Zoological Society of London. Available at: https://www.nationalredlist.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). Beaked Beardless-moss (Weissia rostellata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/beaked-beardless-moss