Dicranella varia Variable Forklet-moss

A small, dioicous acrocarpous moss which occurs on neutral or basic soils in quarries, along forest roads dressed with limestone gravel, forest rides, sea cliffs and riverside habitats. The leaves, which are usually less than 2mm long, are curved to one side and have recurved margins. The sporophyte stalks (seta) are a reddish colour and the capsules are purple-red and distinctly inclined. It is a very commmon species in Britain, except in the far north, and is found throughout most of Wales. It is very common along forest roads in conifer plantations in West Glamorgan and in other habitats scattered throughout the county. Sporophyte capsules are common.