Ditrichum heteromallum Curve-leaved Ditrichum

A small, dioicous, acrocarpous moss which forms loose patches on heathy banks, tracks and paths on moorland and other nutrient-poor acidic substrates, including sandy soils and rock. It can be mistaken for Dicranella heteromalla when it isn't fruiting but is easier to spot and identify when it bears its erect sporophyte capsules. Dicranella heteromalla grows in similar habitats but has capsules that are usually prominently inclined. It is an upland species with a western and northern distribution in Britain and it is widespread in Wales, except for the extreme southwest. In West Glamorgan, it is most often recorded in the acidic uplands of the South Wales Coalfield in Neath Port Talbot. Sporophyte capsules are often abundant in spring and summer.