Grimmia pulvinata Grey-cushioned Grimmia

A very common, autoicous, acrocarpous moss which is ubiquitous on rocks, boulders and walls particularly where there is some base-richness. The hoary compact, neat, rounded cushions are similar to those of Grimmia orbicularis and like that species it usually bears abundant capsules. However the capsules of Grimmia pulvinata are oval-elliptical and the lid has a long beak. In both species the capsules bend backwards into the cushions and then become upright out at maturity prior to spore dispersal. The leaves are narrow with recurved magins and they become contracted abruptly into a long hair point. It is widespread and common throughout Britain except in the highlands of Scotland and it it is abundant throughout Wales. It is common in West Glamorgan.