Solenostoma paroicum Shining Flapwort

A paroicous (occasionally dioicous) leafy liverwort which grows on wet rocks by streams (sometimes submerged) and dripping cliff ledges in the uplands. An oceanic species with a western and northern distribution in Britain, it is a large, bright green flapwort with a strong aromatic scent and usually pigmented rhizoids (see photo). The occurrence of a pair of male bracts below the female bracts and perianth is a key identification feature (see photos), but without fertile material it is difficult to separate from Solenostoma hyalinum. It is found throughout the uplands of Wales in suitable habitats, but is absent from the south west. In West Glamorgan it has been recorded on wet rock faces in humid valleys such as Cwm Du and the Dulais Valley. Perianths and sporophyte capsules are common.