Cratoneuron

Cratoneuron is a genus of mosses belonging to the family Amblystegiaceae. These mosses are typically found in moist to wet environments, often associated with calcareous substrates such as rocks, soil, and decaying wood. They are distributed across various temperate and boreal regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

Distinguishing features of Cratoneuron include its pinnately branched stems and its relatively small to medium-sized leaves. The leaves are usually ovate to lanceolate and possess a prominent costa, which is a central rib-like structure. The leaf margins are often serrated. Sporophytes, when present, consist of a capsule that is typically cylindrical or ovoid, borne on a seta.

Species within the Cratoneuron genus are often found in habitats like stream banks, fens, and seeps. Their preference for calcareous conditions means they can be indicators of specific geological formations. The genus has undergone taxonomic revisions, and the classification of some species has been debated, with some previously assigned to Cratoneuron now placed in related genera. However, the core characteristics of pinnate branching, distinct leaf morphology, and habitat preference remain key identifiers.