peristome

moss structure

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

The peristome is a fringe of teeth surrounding the opening of a moss capsule. This structure plays a role in regulating spore dispersal. When the capsule's lid (operculum) falls off, the peristome teeth, which respond to moisture changes, help control the release of spores over time. Some mosses have a single row of teeth or no teeth at all in their peristome. True mosses belong to the division Bryophyta.1234

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bryophyte
Annotated classification
…opening by apical cap (operculum); peristome teeth usually surrounding the sporangium mouth and influencing spore release; columella usually present, encircled or overarched by a spore-bearing layer; calyptra capping apex of elongating seta and influencing survival and differentiation of sporangium; spores generally shed over extended period; seta a rigid structure with…
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…opening by apical cap (operculum); peristome teeth usually surrounding the sporangium mouth and influencing spore release; columella usually present, encircled or overarched by a spore-bearing layer; calyptra capping apex of elongating seta and influencing survival and differentiation of sporangium; spores generally shed over extended period; seta a rigid structure with…
Read More