Entodon seductrix

Plants in dense mats, green to golden brown. Stems to 10 cm, subpinnate, branches terete-foliate. Leaves erect, oblong-ovate to elliptic, 1–2 mm; margins plane, entire proximally, weakly serrulate distally; apex abruptly acute to apiculate; ecostate or costa double, short; alar region ± abruptly differentiated, 1-stratose, not or slightly reaching costa. Sexual condition autoicous. Seta reddish, 0.5–1.6 cm. Capsule cylindric, 2–3.5 mm; annulus 2-seriate or 3-seriate, persistent; operculum obliquely rostrate; exostome teeth reddish, external surface smooth or faintly roughened proximally, finely papillose apically, not perforate; endostome segments smooth. Spores 13–21 µm.

Habitat: Rotten wood, bark at base of trees, soil, rock, dry hardwood forests
Elevation: low to moderate elevations

Ont., Que., Ala., Ark., Conn., Del., D.C., Fla., Ga., Ill., Ind., Iowa, Kans., Ky., La., Maine, Md., Mass., Mich., Minn., Miss., Mo., Nebr., N.J., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., Pa., R.I., S.C., Tenn., Tex., Vt., Va., W.Va., Wis.

Discussion

Entodon seductrix is the most common species of Entodon in eastern North America. It is recognized by strongly terete-foliate branches, broad, abruptly acute to apiculate leaves, red setae, a persistent annulus, and essentially smooth exostome teeth (the only species of Entodon with this character). The capsule is usually somewhat wrinkled when dry and empty.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa