Long-fruited Thread-moss
Pohlia elongata
Long-fruited Thread-moss (Pohlia elongata) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive elongated capsules that give the species its common name. This delicate moss forms loose tufts with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and plays an important ecological role in soil stabilization and moisture retention in specialized microhabitats.
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Bryophyta
Class
Bryopsida
Order
Bryales
Family
Mniaceae
Genus
Pohlia
Long-fruited Thread-moss belongs to the family Mniaceae, order Bryales, within the Bryopsida class.
Species Profile
Long-fruited Thread-moss (Pohlia elongata) is a small acrocarpous moss characterized by its distinctive elongated capsules that give the species its common name. This delicate moss forms loose tufts with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and plays an important ecological role in soil stabilization and moisture retention in specialized microhabitats.
Long-fruited Thread-moss (Pohlia elongata) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat disturbance. The species faces severe threats from human activities that alter its specialized microhabitat requirements, particularly in areas where it grows on disturbed soil, rock crevices, and banks.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
Pohlia elongata typically grows on moist, mineral-rich soil along stream banks, seepage areas, and wet rock crevices in montane regions. The species requires consistently humid conditions and is often found in shaded microsites where water seepage maintains year-round moisture.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
Long-fruited Thread-moss (Pohlia elongata) is critically endangered due to its extremely limited distribution and vulnerability to habitat disturbance. The species faces severe threats from human activities that alter its specialized microhabitat requirements, particularly in areas where it grows on disturbed soil, rock crevices, and banks.
Habitat destruction and fragmentation
Human trampling and recreational activities
Agricultural intensification
Climate change and altered precipitation patterns
Invasive plant species competition
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 | LCLeast Concern | CRCritically Endangered | Lower local risk |
| EU | LCLeast Concern | 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). Long-fruited Thread-moss (Pohlia elongata). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/long-fruited-thread-moss