Plant Guide > Mosses and Lichens > Mosses > Genus Astomum > Astomum Sullivantii Moss

Astomum Sullivantii Moss

Astomum Sullivantii MossHabit and habitat.-In fields and gardens, living from year to year.

Name.-The specific name Sullivantii was applied to this moss by Wilhelm Philipp Schimper, in honour of William, S. Sullivant, a noted bryologist.

Plant (gametophyte).-Minute, simple, or branched.

Leaves.-The lower leaves small, narrowly oval; the upper narrowly lance-shaped, densely tufted, covered on the back with tiny projections papillosa; curled in various directions when dry: apex pointed: margins rolled in; vein round, extending beyond the apex of the leaf-blade (percurrent).

Habit of flowering.-Male and female flowers on the same plant (monoicous).

Veil (calyptra).-Split up one side.

Spore-case.-Bright orange, symmetrical.

Pedicel (seta).-Shorter than the spore-case.

Lid (operculum).-Short, conical.

Teeth (peristome).-None.

Spores.-Bright, rusty brown, mature in autumn.

Distribution.-North America.