Pylaisiadelpha tenuirostris
Yushania 1(2): 13. 1984.
Stems redbrown, reclining, slender, branches prostrate or sometimes arching upward; pseudoparaphyllia narrow, foliose. Stem-leaves crowded, 0.7–1 mm. Branch leaves similar, slightly smaller. Specialized asexual reproduction by filiform propagula in leaf-axils. Seta reddish. Capsule symmetric, 1 mm.
Phenology: Capsules mature early spring.
Habitat: Rock, epiphytic on tree trunks and bases, logs, broadleaf woodlands
Elevation: low to moderate elevations
Distribution
Nfld. and Labr., N.S., Ont., Ala., Ark., Conn., Ga., Ill., Ind., Maine, Md., Mich., Mo., N.Y., N.C., Ohio, Okla., S.C., Tenn., Vt., Va., W.Va., Wis., Mexico, Central America, Asia
Discussion
Pylaisiadelpha tenuirostris is superficially similar to some specimens of Hypnum pallescens (Hypnaceae), a commonly sporophyte-bearing species with conic opercula and leaves lacking enlarged alar cells. Plants with sporophytes are rare. The rostrate opercula and conspicuous pigmented enlarged alar cells are distinctive.
Selected References
None.