Encalypta alpina
in J. E. Smith et al., Engl. Bot. 20: 1419. 1805,.
Stems 20–50 mm, central strand weak, small when present, cells very thin-walled. Leaves oblong-ovate to lanceolate, 2–4 mm; apices acute to acuminate, mucronate to apiculate; margins plane; costa percurrent to excurrent, narrow, papillose; laminal cells 8–16 µm; basal-cells long-rectangular, smooth; basal marginal cells weakly differentiated, longer than laminal cells forming border in leaf base. Specialized asexual reproduction absent. Seta 6–12 mm, brownish red to black. Capsule cylindric, 1–3 mm, ribbed, gymnostomous, brown; exothecial cells rectangular, walls thickened; peristome absent; operculum 1.5 mm. Calyptra 3–6 mm, lacerate at base, smooth. Spores 30–36 µm, irregular granulate, brown.
Habitat: Mesic sites, soil and rock around waterfalls and seeps in mountain and alpine habitats
Distribution
Greenland, Alta., B.C., Man., Nfld. and Labr. (Labr.), N.W.T., Nunavut, Que., Yukon, Alaska, Ariz., Colo., Mont., Wash.
Discussion
Encalyta alpina is most distinct in its lanceolate leaves, apiculate leaf apices, and lacerate base on the calyptrae. It might be confused with E. rhaptocarpa, but that species has a longer awn, ribbed capsule, and peristome.
Selected References
None.