Plagiothecium succulentum Juicy Silk-moss

An attractive, dioicous, pleurocarpous moss which grows on soil, rock, tree bases or logs in woodland. It is similar to Plagiothecium nemorale but it is usually a much brighter, glossy green colour. Microscopic examination of leaf cells is often required to separate the two species, those of Plagiothecium succulentum being longer (6-10 times longer than wide) and overlapping (not arranged in tranverse rows). It is a widespread and common moss in much of Britain except for parts of eastern England and the highlands of Scotland. It is found throughout Wales and it is frequent in West Glamorgan. Sprophyte capsules are rare.