Tetraplodon mnioides (Black fruited stink moss)

Tetraplodon mnioides belongs to a family of mosses called the Splachnaceae, or dung mosses.

It is a dung loving species– coprophilous - like many other species in the family. It grows on dung, animal remains, and regurgitated pellets of birds of prey.

The Splachnaceae are unique among seedless plants, because many species in the family - including T. mnioides - rely on insects rather than wind for spore dispersal.

Like flowering plants that use insects to disperse pollen, these mosses display several adaptations to attract flies

they produce a tall, highly visible sporophyte which produces foul smelling compounds mimicking those of faeces or carrion
their spores are sticky and adhere to the visiting flies ‘hitching a lift’ to the next suitable substrate.

Species detail

Taxonomy

Tetraplodon mnioides has conspicuous spore-producing structures. Find out what else sets it apart from its close relatives.
Distribution and habitat

Tetraplodon mnioides is found as far north as the Arctic and as far south as Borneo and South America. Find out more.
Biology

Tetraplodon mnioides produces both male and female sex organs on the same plant. Its spores are dispersed by flies attracted to the large smelly spore-containing capsules that project from the moss.
Conservation

Tetraplodon mnioides is not threatened, but has disappeared from some parts of the UK. Find out why.
References

Get more reference material for Tetraplodon mnioides.