CR

Beaked Beardless-moss

Weissia rostellata

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Overview

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.

Threat summary

Habitat

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.

Other threatened species in Pottiaceae

VU

Rufous Beard-moss

Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens

Unknown
Heim's PottiaVU

Heim's Pottia

Hennediella heimii

Unknown
VU

Yellow Crisp-moss

Tortella flavovirens

Unknown
VU

Whorled Tufa-moss

Eucladium verticillatum

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Beaked Beardless-moss classified as Critically Endangered?
Beaked Beardless-moss is classified as Critically Endangered — facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild — because population sizes are very small, declining sharply, or restricted to a tiny range. 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.
Where does Beaked Beardless-moss live?
Beaked Beardless-moss occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Beaked Beardless-moss?
The main threats to Beaked Beardless-moss are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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