About Hypnodendron vitiense Mitt.
Nomenclature and Common Names
Hypnodendron vitiense Mitt., commonly called palm moss or palm tree moss, is a pleurocarpous moss.
Recognized Subspecies
Two subspecies have been described for this species: Hypnodendron vitiense subsp. vitiense and Hypnodendron vitiense subsp. australe.
Overall Geographic Range
The overall geographic range of Hypnodendron vitiense covers Australia, Asia, and Oceania.
Habitat
This moss is typically found in shaded, wet forests and rainforests located close to water sources.
Subspecies Distinction
The two currently recognized subspecies are only weakly distinguished. They appear to intergrade in collections from north-eastern Queensland, where these collections are somewhat depauperate and in poor condition.
Hypnodendron vitiense subsp. vitiense Range
Hypnodendron vitiense subsp. vitiense is most common across central and eastern Malesia, Melanesia, and Polynesia.
Hypnodendron vitiense subsp. australe Range
Hypnodendron vitiense subsp. australe Touw is endemic to Australia, where it occurs in Queensland, New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, and Tasmania.
