Pulvigera lyellii Lyell's Bristle-moss

A dioicous, epiphytic, acrocarpous moss which grows on tree trunks, branches and twigs on a wide range of tree species but particularly ash, oak, sycamore and willows. It often forms large, loose tufts with sharply tipped leaves that are conspicuously clothed in brown gemmae (see photos). Like many other epiphytic bryophytes it underwent a significant decline in its distribution and abundance in Britain, particularly in eastern Britain, as a result of atmospheric pollution. Only 30 years ago it was described in Flora of Glamorgan as uncommon and only found in Gower and the western Vale of Glamorgan. However, with improvements in air quality in recent decades it has undergone a significant recovery and is now widespread in much of Britain except for the northeast and far north of Scotland. It is now widely distributed in West Glamorgan where it grows on street trees as well as willows along forest roads. Sporophyte capsules are uncommon.