Encalypta vulgaris Common Extinguisher-moss

An autoicous, acrocarpous moss which forms loose tufts or cushions almost exclusively on chalk or limestone, mostly in the lowlands. It is very distinctive when it has its capsules, which arise on stalks from the centre of the leaf rosettes and are entirely covered with the long, fire extinguisher-like calyptras. The British distribution of this uncommon and declining moss is determined largely by the occurence of calcium-rich geology and the availability of base-rich turf. It is rather scarce in Wales and in West Glamorgan it is only found on the limestone of the south Gower coast. Sporophyte capsules are common in summer.