I have to confess I've scarcely looked at any bryophytes for a few months, but a pretty pink and green banded
Sphagnum caught my eye earlier this week, while I was surveying for Welsh Clearwing moth in the Black Mountains. I hoped this might be
Sphagnum russowii, but my samples have three spreading branches per fascicle - so I think this must be
S. quinquefarium.
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| Sphagnum quinquefarium |
There was an extensive patch of this moss growing in bilberry heath on a NE-facing slope above the Grwyne Fechan (SO217234). Perhaps not an unusual sight in the Brecon Beacons National Park, but it's the first time I've seen this moss away from woodland.
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Sphagnum quinquefarium habitat
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I don't see it that often away from woodland in BBNP either George - I guess that is to be expected as we are edge of its range, especially in SE Wales, so it makes your record all the more interesting. I have a strong feeling that Sphagnum capillifolium has become more frequent on the hills in the Brecon beacons over the past 20-odd years, presumably as a result of changing climate or improving air quality and if this is the case I wonder if S. quinqefarium might respond in a similar fashion and make its escape from woodland habitat?
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