Unequal Leaf Bryoerythrophyllum Moss

Bryoerythrophyllum inaequalifolium is found at only two locations in the flora area. It is easily distinguished from other species in the area by the rounded leaf apices and masses of unicellular gemmae usually present in the leaf axils. Unicellular gemmae are not unique to this species in the Pottiaceae; they are also found in Didymodon revolutus, which is distinguished by the spurred costa having only one stereid band, the distal laminal cell walls evenly thickened, and papillae solid, low, broad, simple to multiplex, usually lenslike. For additional synonymy and discussion, see R. H. Zander (1968).

Stems to 1.5 cm. Stem leaves ovate to ovate-lanceolate, to 1-2 mm, distal lamina often 2-stratose in small patches above, margins narrowly recurved or revolute to near apex, entire, rounded to obtusely acute apically; costa ending 1-2 cells before apex, not much widened or tapering, to ca. 6 cells wide at mid leaf, adaxial surface of the costa weakly convex; proximal cells differentiated across leaf, rectangular, 3-4:1. Specialized asexual reproduction often present, by masses of unicellular gemmae on stalks in leaf axils. Sexual condition dioicous. [Capsule theca 1.5-3 mm; operculum 0.8-1.3 mm; peristome well developed, twisted, 500-950 µm. Spores 9-11 µm.]

Plants small to medium-sized, 0.5–2.0 cm high, yellowish green, in dense tufts. Stems erect, simple; central strand present. Leaves ovate-ligulate, somewhat cucullate, blunt at the apex; margins recurved nearly throughout; costa strong, percurrent; upper leaf cells quadrate to hexagonal, rather thin-walled, orderly arranged, each cell with numerous C-shaped small papillae; basal cells larger, rectangular, smooth, hyaline. Dioicous. Perichaetial leaves twice as long as stem leaves. Setae straight, reddish, 7–10 mm long; capsules cylindrical; peristome teeth filiform, twisted counterclockwise; opercula conic, short to long rostrate.

Distribution: China, Asia, North and South America, and Africa.

Habitat: on rocks or soil walls in grasslands, bush, or forests.

Barbula inaequalifolia Taylor, London J. Bot. 5: 49. 1846

Barbula tenii Herz., Hedwigia 65: 155. 1925. Type. China: Yunnan, Da-yao Co., S. Ten 61, 70 (syntypes H).