Plant Guide > Mosses and Lichens > Mosses > Genus Octoblepharum > Eight Toothed White Moss

Eight Toothed White Moss

Eight Toothed White MossThe Eight-toothed White Moss, Octoblepharum albidum, Hedw.

Habit and habitat.-In small white cushions on bark and on shady rocks.

Name.-The specific name albidum, white, refers to the colour of the leaves.

Plant (gametophyte).-Spongy, soft when wet, brittle and white when dry.

Leaves.-Close, thick, composed, except on the borders, of two or three superimposed layers of large porous cells without leaf-green, these separated by a layer of simple, narrow cells containing leaf-green.

Veil (calyptra).-Large, split on one side.

Spore-case. -Erect.

Pedicel (seta).-Short.

Lid (operculum).-Plane at the base with an oblique and awl-shaped beak.

Teeth (peristome).-Eight, short, broadly lance-shaped, paleyellow and transparent.

Spores.-Mature in spring.

Distribution.-Common in the warmer parts of the world except Europe.