Funariaceae

Funariaceae is a family of mosses belonging to the order Funariales. These mosses are typically found in damp or wet habitats, often growing on soil, rocks, or decaying wood. The family is characterized by its sporophytes, which usually have a distinct, often asymmetric, urn-shaped capsule that matures to a symmetrical shape. The peristome, a fringe of teeth around the mouth of the capsule, is typically double and well-developed, with inner and outer teeth.

The leaves of Funariaceae mosses are generally broad, often with a rounded apex, and may have a prominent costa (midrib). Their rhizoids are usually multicellular and branched. Some common genera within the Funariaceae include Funaria, Entostodon, and Funaria. Funaria hygrometrica, commonly known as "cord moss," is a widespread and well-known species in this family, often colonizing disturbed habitats such as burnt ground.

Reproduction in Funariaceae follows the typical moss life cycle, involving alternation of generations between a haploid gametophyte and a diploid sporophyte. The gametophyte produces gametes, which fuse to form a zygote that develops into the sporophyte. The sporophyte produces spores, which are dispersed and can germinate to form new gametophytes. The family is distributed globally, with species found in a wide range of climatic conditions.