Dicranoloma billardierei
Dicranoloma billardierei
Conservation Status: Not Threatened
Dicranoloma billardierei is a robust and distinctive moss native to New Zealand. It forms lush, green cushions and mats in forest environments, particularly in humid, shaded areas. This moss plays an important ecological role in forest ecosystems by retaining moisture, preventing soil erosion, and providing microhabitats for small invertebrates. native trees
Image credit: Wikipedia
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Dicranoloma billardierei |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 10 cm |
| Spread | Forms dense mats, up to 30 cm across |
| Water Needs | High; prefers consistently moist conditions |
| Light | Deep to dappled shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Moderate (tolerates light frost) |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Perennial (colonies can persist for many years) |
Climate Suitability
| City | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Moderate |
| Auckland | Moderate |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Moderate |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Moderate |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Moderate |
| Dunedin | Moderate |
| Invercargill | Challenging |
Star Moss (Dicranoloma billardierei) thrives in cool, humid, and shaded forest environments throughout New Zealand. It prefers areas with consistent moisture, moderate temperatures, and protection from direct sunlight and drying winds. Most abundant in regions with high rainfall and stable humidity.
Growing Requirements
Soil
Moist, humus-rich, acidic to neutral
Light
Deep to dappled shade
Water
Consistently moist, never dry
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
- Used in terrariums and moss gardens
Cultural Significance
Ecological Value
- Important for moisture retention and soil stabilization in forests
Seasonal Care
Pruning
Pruning is not required. Avoid disturbing established mats. Remove only dead plant material or invasive weeds by hand.
Planting Guide
- Choose a shaded, moist site with rich organic matter
- Gently press moss fragments onto prepared soil or substrate
- Keep consistently moist and humid during establishment
- Protect from direct sun and wind
- Allow leaf litter to accumulate naturally
Propagation
- Division: Carefully separate small clumps and transplant to new locations
- Fragmentation: Place moss fragments on moist substrate to encourage spreading
- Spores: Rarely used in cultivation; requires stable, humid conditions
Cultural History
While not widely used in traditional Māori culture, Star Moss is valued for its ecological role in New Zealand forests. It is increasingly appreciated in naturalistic gardening and conservation projects for its beauty and environmental benefits.
Pests & Diseases
- Generally pest- and disease-free in natural settings
- May be affected by drought or excessive disturbance
- Occasionally invaded by weedy mosses or liverworts
Bonus Tip
Use Star Moss in shaded, moist garden corners or terrariums to create a lush, natural look. Mist regularly to maintain humidity and encourage healthy growth.
Related Plants
Description
Dicranoloma billardierei is a robust moss species commonly found in New Zealand's native forests. It forms dense, yellowish-green to golden tufts or mats, with distinctive curved leaves that give it a characteristic appearance. The leaves are long and narrow, with a strong central nerve and finely toothed margins. Like other native mosses, it plays a crucial role in our forest ecosystems, often growing alongside Blechnum novae-zelandiae and other native ferns.
Key Features
- Forms dense, yellowish-green to golden tufts
- Curved, sickle-shaped leaves
- Strong central nerve in leaves
- Grows in various forest habitats
Habitat & Distribution
This moss species is widespread throughout New Zealand's forests, particularly in areas with moderate to high rainfall. It can be found growing alongside other native species like Asplenium bulbiferum, Leptopteris superba, and Blechnum discolor.
- Growing on forest floors
- On tree trunks and branches
- On rotting logs and stumps
- In both lowland and montane forests
Ecological Role
Dicranoloma billardierei plays several important ecological roles in New Zealand's forest ecosystems. Like other native mosses, it contributes significantly to the forest's biodiversity:
- Contributes to forest floor moisture retention
- Provides microhabitats for small invertebrates
- Assists in nutrient cycling
- Helps prevent soil erosion
Conservation
While Dicranoloma billardierei is not currently threatened, it faces several challenges in our forest ecosystems:
- Habitat loss due to deforestation
- Competition from invasive species
- Climate change impacts on forest moisture levels
- Disturbance from human activities
References
Further Reading
- Beever, J., Malcolm, W. M., & Malcolm, N. (2002). The Moss Flora of New Zealand.
- Fife, A. J. (2012). New Zealand's Native Mosses: A Field Guide.
- New Zealand Plant Conservation Network (NZPCN)