Star Moss

Despite not being a true aquatic moss, Tortula ruralis (Star moss) has found its way in the repertoire of moss keepers and planted aquarium hobbyists. Tortula ruralis (Star moss) was first introduced in the 2007 and is actually a terrestrial plant found in North America.

Tortula ruralis (Star moss) will survive for months without water. It thrives in dry habitats between rocks, as pathway vegetation, and in deserts. After long periods of dry gestation, when rainfall finally comes, Tortula ruralis can recuperate its cells within a matter of hours. This consumption of water will allow it to survive for months at a time without receiving water again.

Although hobbyists have taken up the common name of Star moss for Tortula ruralis, its actual common name is "cement moss".