Cryphaea heteromalla Lateral Cryphaea

An epiphytic, pleurocapous moss which is usually conspicuous when its secondary branches stick out almost horrizontally, bearing sporophyte capsules, while the primary stems grow apressed to the substrate. It grows on a wide selection of trees but is particularly common on Ash, Willow, Sycamore and Elder. It is one of an number of epiphytic species that has become increasingly common in recent decades probably responding primarily to cleaner air conditions among other things such as climate change. It is commmon and widspread in the southern half of Brtain and is very common in Wales. It is autoicous and sporophyte capsules, which mature in winter, are common.