Phenology of Racomitrium lanuginosum growing at a seasonally snow-covered site on Mt. Fuji, Japan

Abstract

We investigated the seasonality of the development of the gametangia and sporophytes of Racomitrium lanuginosum growing at a seasonally snow-covered site (ca. 2200 m altitude) on Mt. Fuji, Central Honshu, Japan. Shoots of R. lanuginosum were collected every 2 weeks during the snow-free period (June–November) in 2014. The number of inflorescences and the numbers, sizes, and developmental stages of the male and female gametangia and sporophytes were recorded. Archegonia developed quickly in early spring, but antheridia took longer to develop from the previous summer. Fertilization occurred in June and July and spore dispersal occurred in June of the following year. The archegonia took 1 month to mature, the antheridia took 7–10 months, and the sporophytes took 10 months. The development of the antheridia and sporophytes stopped during the winter when the study site was covered by snow.