Bryophytes » Brachytheciaceae » Cirriphyllum crassinervium Beech Feather-moss

Cirriphyllum crassinervium Beech Feather-moss

(Taylor) Loeske & M.Fleisch.

A bright green, pleurocarpous moss which  forms prostrate mats on base-rich rocks and boulders which can be extensive. It is also found on concrete, masonary and walls with calcareous mortar. The egg-shaped, concave leaves which suddenly taper to a drawn out tip are distinctive (see photo), as is the nerve which is rather untidy, broad at the base and often branched or with a spur above. It is locally frequent in southern Britain and more scattered in the north. It is quite local in Wales except in areas with a limestone geology. In West Glamorgan it is most common along the south Gower coast but it extends inland sparingly in Neath Port Talbot on walls and imported limestone boulders. It is dioicous and sporophyte capsules are rare.

Cirriphyllum crassinervium - © Charles Hipkin
Cirriphyllum crassinervium - © Charles Hipkin

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