Gourd moss - Gourd moss

Japanese: ヒョウタンゴケ - ひょうたんごけ

A moss of the family Polytrichum commune (illustration). Widely distributed throughout the world, it is commonly found throughout Japan and grows on bare ground, but is particularly fond of growing in burned areas caused by bonfires. The plant is small, pale green, and grows in clusters or scattered areas. The stem is 0.5-1 cm tall, the leaves are ovate with acute tips, and the midvein reaches the tip. It is monoecious and frequently produces sporophytes. The capsule stalk is 3-6 cm long, twists at maturity, and performs a gentle circular movement depending on the wetness or dryness. The capsule is pear-shaped and inclined or drooping.

Source: Heibonsha World Encyclopedia, 2nd Edition Information

Japanese:

ヒョウタンゴケ科の蘚類（イラスト）。世界に広く分布し，日本でも全国に普通に産し，裸地上に生じるが，とくにたき火などの焼跡に好んで生える性質がある。植物体は小さく淡緑色，群生または散生する。茎は高さ0.5～1cm，葉は卵形で鋭頭，中央脈は先端に達する。雌雄同株で胞子体をよく生じる。蒴柄（さくへい）は長さ3～6cm，成熟するとねじれて，乾湿に応じてゆるやかな旋回運動を行う。蒴は洋梨形で傾斜または下垂する。

出典　株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典第２版について　情報

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