Orthodontium lineare Cape Thread-moss

A fine-leaved, autoicous acrocarpous moss which grows on a variety of substrates such as logs, stumps, tree boles, rocks and sandy or peaty banks. It usually draws attention as a result of the abundant sporophytes which are held on long, curved stalks with capsules that have an upturned beak. It was introduced to Britain from the Southern Hemisphere, perhaps with imported timber, and was first recorded here in 1910. Being tolerant of atmospheric pollution it spread rapidly during the early and middle decades of the 20th Century and is now common and widespread throughout much of the country. However, it may have become less common as an epiphyte during the last 30 years or more as air quality has improved while other, pollution-sensitive epiphytes have prospered. There are a number of records in West Glamorgan where it is scattered but, currently, only locally common.