Studies in the Biology and Ecology of Rhacomitrium Lanuginosum Brid.: I. Distribution and Ecology

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Abstract
As a contribution towards much-needed autecological studies of the more important bryophytes, certain features of the distribution and ecology of R. lanuginosum, often a prominent member of the vegetation of the bleaker regions of the world, are described. The status of this moss in Britain in the various montane communities, and on peat, rock, and calcareous substrata is considered, with special reference to the vegetation of North Wales. A brief summary of its status in Scandinavia and the Arctic is included. Particular attention is given to the occurrences of R. lanuginosum in calcareous habitats, and to the relationships of the various "phases" of summit vegetation these are postulated to. be cyclically and not successionally related. It is shown that the geographical distribution of R. lanuginosum is governed by air-humidity, rainfall and temperature (this moss occurring chiefly in colder oceanic regions), while the detailed distribution within a given region is governed by competition (R. lanuginosum only occurring where competition by higher plants is reduced or absent).