Physcomitrium patens Spreading Earth-moss

A very small paroicous or synoicous, acrocarpous moss which is a pioneer colonist of bare mud, particularly on the exposed margins of reservoirs and pools. The small shoots bear translucent leaves with large cells (like Funaria) and spherical capsules buried among them. It has a scattered distribution mostly in the southern half of Britain but it is local and fairly uncommon in Wales. There are only a few records of it in West Glamorgan. Sporophyte capsules are abundant in summer and autumn.

This species is also known as Aphanorrhegma patens.