Catoscopium nigritum

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Copyright: Flora of North America Association

Plants to 6 cm. Stem-leaves erect-spreading, 3-ranked, flexuose when dry, 0.8–1.5 mm; basal laminal cells oblong to elongate; distal cells quadrate to short-rectangular. Perichaetial leaves somewhat larger than stem-leaves. Seta 0.8–2.4 cm. Capsule 0.6–1 mm; exostome teeth lanceolate, incurved, truncate. Spores 33–48 µm.

Phenology: Capsules mature summer.
Habitat: Edges of pools in calcareous rich fens
Elevation: low elevations

Greenland, Alta., B.C., Man., N.B., Nfld. and Labr. (Nfld.), N.W.T., Nunavut, Ont., Que., Sask., Yukon, Alaska, Calif., Ind., Iowa, Mich., Minn., Mont., N.Y., Europe, Asia, Atlantic Islands (Iceland)

Discussion

Catoscopium nigritum is characterized by its dense turfs of reddish black stems with erect, lanceolate leaves. When fertile, the small, shiny, black capsules with small mouth, reduced peristome, and inclined posture clearly define the species.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa