Fossombronia pusilla Common Frillwort

One of the most common frillworts in Britain. It has the appearance of a tiny lettuce and is similar to Fossombronia wandraczekii and grows in similar places, but is a little larger. They can be separated more easily by microscopic examination of the spores which in Fossombronia pusilla are about 40 microns in diameter with a surface of lamellae that join to form a network; in marginal view this is seen as 16-26 spines (see photo). It is a pioneer species of damp, acidic soil along roadsides and tracks, arable fields, ditches, stream and river banks. It is most common in western Britain and absent or scarce from middle and eastern Britain and uncommon in the north. It is widespread in Wales and occasional in West Glamorgan. Sporophytes are common on this monoicous, thallose liverwort.