Coscinodon lawianus

About

Coscinodon lawianus is a species of moss in the family Grimmiaceae endemic to East Antarctica. It is one of only two species of moss found only in continental Antarctica, out of 23 species found on the continent. It is found on exposed rocks on nunataks and oases scattered across the region, stretching from Queen Maud Land to Princess Elizabeth Land. Initially described as part of the genus Grimmia, it was reclassified into Coscinodon by Polish bryologist Ryszard Ochyra in 2004, owing to similarities with several South American species. C. lawianus is likely a remnant of the Neogene flora of Antarctica which survived the rampant glaciation and cooling of the continent on remote rocky outcrops.

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