Weissia controversa Green-tufted Stubble-moss

An autoicous, acrocarpous moss which occurs as 4 separate varieties in Britain. All of them grow on bare, usually disturbed soils as mounds or cushions often in extensive patches. Key features are the narrow leaves with distinctly inrolled margins and the sporophyte capsules which are somewhat oblong and held on comparatively long stalks well clear of the leaves. Three varieties have been recorded in West Glamorgan, var. controversa, var. crispata and var. densifolia, which are described separately here. Many records do not specify the variety and it is probable that most of those are var. controversa. Taken as a group, Weissia controversa is common and widespread in West Glamorgan. Sporophyte capsules are common and often abundant in spring.