Orthotrichum cupulatum Hooded Bristle-moss

An autoicous, acrocarpous moss that grows on base-rich rock and stone. It is similar to Orthotricum anomalum and sometimes grows with it, but the sporophyte capsules, which are produced in abundance in spring, are held on relatively short stalks just clear of the leaves, unlike those of Orthotrichum anomalum which are held on long stalks well clear of the leaves. Both species have similar distributions in Britain, but Orthotrichum cupulatum is less common and more scattered. However, it is difficult to identify in the field when it doesn't have capsules, so it may be under recorded. It is largely a lowland species in Wales, absent from much of the central uplands and it is occasional in lowland parts of West Glamorgan.