Plants robust, in loose tufts, mostly green to yellow, shiny. Stems 1–2 (–4) cm. Leaves mostly falcate-secund, lanceolate, gradually subulate, 2–4.5 mm, margins distally 1 or 2-stratose; costa 50–60 µm wide at base; distal laminal cells mostly elongate (2–5:1), porose, 7–9 µm wide, smooth or weakly mammillose-roughened; basal laminal cells elongate, porose, alar cells strongly inflated and differentiated. Perichaetial leaves similar to the cauline. Perigonia sessile, located just below perichaetia. Capsule distinctly ribbed when dry, urn 1.3–2 mm. Spores 14–20 µm.

Habitat: Soil over rock
Elevation: mostly alpine elevations, occasionally subalpine

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

File:V27 601-distribution-map.gif, File:V27 601-distribution-map.jpg

Greenland, Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T., Que., Yukon, Alaska, Europe

Discussion

Kiaeria glacialis is a large species that is found in late snowbeds and is similar to K. starkei, which is more slender and is commonly found on vertical rock surfaces. A form of K. starkei occasionally occurs in late snowbeds, but it has small, erect-spreading dark green leaves; K. falcata also occurs in late snowbeds, but can be distinguished in the field by its short, non-grooved capsules.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

None.