Cement moss

Description

Hyophila involuta (Hook.) Jaeg., commonly known as star moss, was initially marketed as "Tortula ruralis". However, true Tortula ruralis moss has likely not entered the hobby market due to its adaptation to dry and sunny environments in Central Europe. This species can be distinguished from others by white bristle-like hairs ("glass hair") on its leaf tips. It forms a lawn with upright shoots, featuring densely packed tongue-shaped leaves that spiral around the stem without reaching the tip. The leaves on the shoot tip form a rosette pattern, resembling a small star. This moss is widely distributed in the tropics and can also be found in few locations in Central Europe, far from its next populations in African tropics. It grows on limestone rocks, moist house foundations, walls near shorelines, and temporarily flooded rocks.