Fissidens exilis Slender Pocket-moss

A tiny, slender, dioicous or autoicous Pocket-moss with shoots that are rarely more than 3mm long, with up to 4 pairs of leaves which are unbordered. Fissidens celticus differs in having many more leaves. It is found in loose patches on slightly acidic or neutral loamy or clay soils in woodland or on shaded banks. It has a widespread but patchy distribution in Britain but is uncommon in parts of southeast and north Wales. There are few records of it in West Glamorgan, mostly from Gower, although it is probably overlooked. Sporophyte capsules are abundant in winter.