Syntrichia ruraliformis Sand-hill Screw-moss

A dioicous, acrocarpous moss which forms large turfs and cushions in partially fixed sand dunes in the company of Brachythecium albicans, Homalothecium lutescens and Hypnum cupressiforme var. lacunosum. It is similar to Syntrichia ruralis but the leaves are pointed. Plants become contorted and brown when dry and can survive dormant in this condition for long periods of time. Upon just minimal wetting the shoots become green rapidly and are then able to resume metabolic functions after a remarkably short period of time. It is the quintessential 'ressurection plant' on British sand dunes. Although It is predominantly a coastal species in Britain it frequently occurs inland, particularly in East Anglia, on open sandy ground, along concreted paths, in ruderal habitats and occasionally on coal tips. It is a common coastal species in Wales and it is ubiquitous in sand dunes along the coast of West Glamorgan where there are also a few inland sites. Sporophyte capsules are very rare.