Heteroscyphus zollingeri

Heteroscyphus zollingeri is a foliose liverwort widely distributed in the Asian tropics in various moist habitats. It is often cultivated in aquaria under the vernacular name "Pearl Moss", however, in trade it is frequently offered under the erroneous names "Homalia spec., Flachmoos" and "Blepharostoma trichophyllum". It resembles Chiloscyphus and Lophocolea species native to Central Europe, and thus is also known as "Chiloscyphus sp." and "Lophocolea Moss" in the region.
In 2009, bryologist Prof. S.R. Gradstein identified "Pearl Moss" from aquatic plant trade as Heteroscyphus zollingeri. Another foliose liverwort traded under the name "Blepharostoma trichophyllum" was identified as Solenostoma tetragonum by him (Wilstermann-Hildebrand & Muth 2011).

According to literature, Heteroscyphus zollingeri is not an aquatic moss by nature. However, it is very suitable as aquarium moss and grows relatively fast.

To be continued...