Schistostega pennata, also called goblin's gold or luminous moss or luminescent moss , is a moss

Moss

Mosses are small, soft plants that are typically 1–10 cm tall, though some species are much larger. They commonly grow close together in clumps or mats in damp or shady locations. They do not have flowers or seeds, and their simple leaves cover the thin wiry stems...

 known for its glowing appearance in dark places. It is the only member of the family Schistosteagaceae. The moss's greenish-gold glowing appearance is due to the clear, spherical cells in the protonema

Protonema

A protonema is a thread-like chain of cells that forms the earliest stage of a bryophyte life cycle...

that can collect even the faintest light like lenses, and the chloroplasts nearby in turn give off the greenish glow from the reflected light.

It is easily outcompeted by other mosses and plant species in open lighter areas, but its ability to reflect light allows it to grow in shady places that other plants cannot survive. It prefers damp mineral soils with a source of dim light, such as reflection from a pool, overturned tree roots, and entrances to animal burrows.

S. pennata is found in China, Japan, Siberia, Europe, and North America.

External links

• Photo from Olympic National Park (click to enlarge) Close-up
• Scientific illustration
• Photos by Matt Goff