Sphagnum palustre
One of the commonst Sphagnum species on the NNR, S.palustre is found at lower altitudes in permanently damp or wet habitats, especially marshy grassland.
This common Sphagnum is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
This common Sphagnum is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Sphagnum papillosum
This Sphagnum is fairly frequent at Ben Lawers, where it grows as part of the blanket bog community at moderate altitudes.
This species is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
This species is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Sphagnum squarrosum
Sphagnum squarrosum is an infrequently-encountered species on the mountains (in my experience). The only place I have come across it is in the E corrie of Ben Lawers, where it grows in lush, damp turf with more common bryophytes like S.capillifolium and Mylia taylorii.
The widely-spreading leaves along the stems are very distinctive and unlike any other British Sphagnum species.
The widely-spreading leaves along the stems are very distinctive and unlike any other British Sphagnum species.
Sphagnum girgensohnii
Coire Gorm, Meall Corranaich
This common Sphagnum is found in scattered, damp, grassy sites on the Lawers Hills.
The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
stem leaf (microscope view)
The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
stem leaf (microscope view)
Sphagnum russowii
Coire Gorm, Meall Corranaich
An uncommon species on the NNR, S.russowii is known from the slopes above Lochan nan Cat and the unusual Sphagnum-rich boggy slope in Coire Gorm, where these photos were taken.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sphagnum subnitens
One of the commonest Sphagnum species in subalpine Scotland, S.subnitens is very common in wet habitats on the Lawers range. Its muted, blended green and red colours makes it easy to recognise.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sphagnum molle
Coire Gorm, Meall Corranaich
Sphagnum molle is very rare on Ben Lawers and known only from Coire Gorm.
This species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
This species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Sphagnum compactum
Sphagnum compactum is typical of drier habitats than some other Sphagna, being more of a heathland species. Where this habitat occurs on the Lawers range, it is not an uncommon species.
Its dense cushions with short, spiky leaves and
mixed colours make it easy to recognise.
Its dense cushions with short, spiky leaves and
mixed colours make it easy to recognise.
Sphagnum denticulatum
S.denticulatum is a common species in very wet acidic habitats on the Lawers hills, especially on acidic, flushed slopes and permanently wet rock slabs. Plants are often a bright orange colour and show the curved branches typical of the species.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Sphagnum capillifolium ssp.rubellum
This species is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site. It is a common species on bogs in the Ben Lawers NNR.
Andreaea alpina
An Stuc
Larger than its cousin A.rupestris, with a more lax habit, Andreaea alpina is locally common. It sometimes grows with A.rupestris, but tends to prefer damper habitats, where it can be a locally dominant species. It often occurs with Herbertus stramineus and other moisture-loving calcicoles - the base of the mighty vertical S-facing crag of An Stuc above Lochan nan Cat is an excellent place to see this species.
Andreaea rupestris
Any walk in the Scottish Highlands will allow you to see this common moss of acidic rocks, and it is no less frequent in the Lawers range, although it avoids the most calcareous outcrops.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Andreaea rothii ssp.falcata
above Lawers Burn
Britain's most widespread Andreaea occurs in similar habitats to A.rupestris, but I find it less common here than its close cousin. It is less alpine, and all my records are from fairly low altitudes here.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Polytrichastrum alpinum
As its name suggests, this Polytrichum (or Polytrichastrum in modern nomenclature) is a montane species. It favours much drier habitats than the widespread P. formosum and P. commune. In these habitats, only P. piliferum and sexangulare occur, both of which are very different-looking plants.
The microscopic images show the key diagnostic character of P. alpinum, namely the strawberry-like apical cells of the leaf lamellae.
The microscopic images show the key diagnostic character of P. alpinum, namely the strawberry-like apical cells of the leaf lamellae.
Polytrichum commune
Text coming soon!
Poytrichastrum sexangulare
E corrie of Ben LawersOne of Scotland's alpine specialities, P.sexangulare (named for the hexagonal capsule) is a specialist of snowbed habitats, where it colonises bare soil. In suitable habitat, high up on the Lawers range, it is a common moss and easily recognised. Superficially, it resembles Oligotrichum hercynium (see below) but the leaves are much thicker and more solid, and the plants are yellow-green, rather than dark green.
Polytrichum piliferum
Text coming soon!
Polytrichum strictum
This Polytrichum species is a specialist of Sphagnum mires, where it tends to grow a scattered stems through the Sphagnum. On the lower slopes and bealachs of the Lawers range it is a fairly easy species to encounter.
Oligotrichum hercynium
Atrichum undulatum
Creag an Fhithich, Ben Lawers
This common woodland moss was a surprise for me high up on Ben Lawers, where it grows in grassy turf, at its upper altitudinal limit in Britain.
The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Distichium capillaceum
Meall Corranaich
Distichium capillaceum is a common species on damp calcareous crags on the Lawers hills. It is usually abundantly fertile, maing it easy to recognise, with its tall capsules on yellow setae, above very narrow yellow-green leaves.
Dichodontium pellucidum
Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
Text coming soon!
Dichodontium palustre
A familiar moss of acidic flushes in many parts of Britain, D.palustre is easy to recognise by its bright yellow-green colour and squarrose leaves.
Dicranoweisia crispula
A common species on exposed schist on all the Lawers hills, D.crispula is recognisable by its crisped leaves when dry and the usually abundant capsules on a yellow seta.
Arctoa fulvella
I have only encountered this rare alpine moss once, near the summit of Ben Lawers. It is a small species and easily overlooked if not fertile. In the field, its capsules have the peristome teeth spread out, quite unlike any other similar species.
You can see microscopic images of the leaves, illustrating the key characters here.
You can see microscopic images of the leaves, illustrating the key characters here.
Kiaeria falcata
Kiaerias are typical mosses of exposed, siliceous rocks on mountain summits throughout the Scottish Highlands. All four British species are found on the Lawers hills. All look similar to their Dicranum cousins and have long, fine leaf apices.
K.falcata can be recognised by its fairly regularly falcate leaves, its slightly papillose leaf apex and indistinct alar cells.
K.falcata can be recognised by its fairly regularly falcate leaves, its slightly papillose leaf apex and indistinct alar cells.
Kiaeria blyttii
Image coming soon!
K.blyttii is the most commonly-recorded Kiaeria on the Lawers NNR. It is most similar to K.falcata (see above) but differs in lacking falcate leaves (they have a crisped appearance, as shown here) and the capsules have a distinctive mouth where the large cells break off easily.
Unlike the other British species, K.blyttii avoids snowbeds, growing instead in scree and on bare mountain ridges.
Unlike the other British species, K.blyttii avoids snowbeds, growing instead in scree and on bare mountain ridges.
Kiaeria starkei
N corrie of Beinn Ghlas
K.starkei closely resembles K.falcata, as both have regularly-curved leaves and grow in similar habitats. K.starkei tends to be a bigger plant, but microscopical examination is necessary to be absolutely certain.
K.starkei lacks the papillose leaf apex of K.falcata and usually has distinct patches of brown alar cells (but not always) and the lower leaf cells are not porose. When present, the capsules have thin-walled exothecial cells - those of K.falcata have obviously thickened walls.
K.starkei is the least frequently recorded member of the genus on the Lawers hills, with all records from Ben Lawers itself.
K.starkei lacks the papillose leaf apex of K.falcata and usually has distinct patches of brown alar cells (but not always) and the lower leaf cells are not porose. When present, the capsules have thin-walled exothecial cells - those of K.falcata have obviously thickened walls.
K.starkei is the least frequently recorded member of the genus on the Lawers hills, with all records from Ben Lawers itself.
Dicranum scoparium
leaf section near apex, showing lamellae (left-hand side of image)
Common across Britain, this very variable species is equally abundant on Ben Lawers, where it can prove a troublesome discovery - is it a rarer species or just another form of D.scoparium?!
The microscopic image shows the key diagnostic feature of D.scoparium - namely, the four lamellae on the nerve.
The Crater, Ben Lawers
high-altitude form lacking lamellae, The Crater, Ben Lawers
The microscopic image shows the key diagnostic feature of D.scoparium - namely, the four lamellae on the nerve.
The Crater, Ben Lawers
high-altitude form lacking lamellae, The Crater, Ben Lawers
Dicranum flexicaule
Image coming soon!
Text coming soon!
Campylopus atrovirens
Ben Lawers-An Stuc bealach
Common in many parts of upland Scotland, C. atrovirens is found at scattered sites on the Lawers hills, where it grows in acidic flushes. The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Cumbria section of the site, although no similar species grow on the Lawers NNR, making it very easy to identify.
Fissidens adianthoides
Image coming soon!
Text coming soon!
Tortella tortuosa
Text coming soon!
above Lawers Burn
above Lawers Burn
Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum
Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
This species is fairly common on calcareous rock ledges on the NNR.
I've described it in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described it in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Bryoerythrophyllum ferruginascens
Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
Text coming soon!
Bryoerythrophyllum caledonicum
E corrie of Ben LawersOne of very few mosses endemic to Britain, this species was only recognised as distinct in the early 1980s.
In the field is resembles B.ferruginascens but always grows in permanently wet sites. Under the microscope, the broad leaves with abruptly tapered, strongly toothed apices make it instantly recognisable.
Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of this plant in habitat as the persistent rain had fogged up the lenses - I'll have to go back on a better day!
B.caledonicum is restricted to Scotland, where it is found at scattered montane sites from Skye to Perthshire.
In the field is resembles B.ferruginascens but always grows in permanently wet sites. Under the microscope, the broad leaves with abruptly tapered, strongly toothed apices make it instantly recognisable.
Unfortunately I didn't get a photo of this plant in habitat as the persistent rain had fogged up the lenses - I'll have to go back on a better day!
B.caledonicum is restricted to Scotland, where it is found at scattered montane sites from Skye to Perthshire.
Anoectangium aestivum
Text coming soon!
Didymodon ferrugineus
W slope of Beinn Ghlas
This species is described in the Bryophytes of other areas of northern England section of the site.
Schistidium agassizii
Ben Lawers-Beinn Ghlas bealach
This rare (and easily-overlooked) Schistidium was first recognised from Britain from this colony on the bealach between Beinn Ghlas and Ben Lawers.
S.agassizii is one of the semi-aquatic members of the genus and grows as green patches on schist around a permanent small lochan, where it is often partially submerged.
Identifying features of this rare species are its unkeeled leaves and incrassate exothecial cells - these will distinguish it from the similar S.rivulare and S.platyphyllum, both of which are also semi-aquatic.
S.agassizii is one of the semi-aquatic members of the genus and grows as green patches on schist around a permanent small lochan, where it is often partially submerged.
Identifying features of this rare species are its unkeeled leaves and incrassate exothecial cells - these will distinguish it from the similar S.rivulare and S.platyphyllum, both of which are also semi-aquatic.
Schistidium apocarpum
Image coming soon!
Text coming soon!
Schistidium trichodon
Ben Lawers
This beautiful species is easy to recognise and relatively common on base-rich outcrops above 900m or so on the Lawers range. The straggly black tufts with bright yellow-green tips are very distinctive.
Schistidium strictum
On calcareous rocks at higher elevations on Ben Lawers, this is a common and attractive sight. S.strictum is conspicuous with its orange colouration and can only be confused with S.papillosum on the Lawers Range which is currrently only known from above Lochan nan Cat.
Schistidium dupretii
Creag an Lochain
Ben Lawers
Along with S. frigidum, S. papillosum, S. atrofuscum and S. helveticum, this is much the rarest of the Schistidiums found on the Lawers range. It forms very distinctive small rounded cushions abundantly covered with capsules (much more so than any of the other species). These have a characteristically short seta and are also relatively short in length, although less so than typical continental specimens (T.Blockeel, personal communication).
In the field, this species is most similar to S. frigidum, but the capsules stick out much further from the cushions and are more abundant. Microscopically, the capsules have irregular, thin-walled exothecial cells and the leaf bases lack ascending groups of hyaline cells (these are always present in S. frigidum).
S. dupretii is known from Ben Lawers and also Creag an Lochain (my photos of this population from 2012 represent the first known occurrence of the species here and in VC89). Nationally, it is a very rare species, restricted to seven 10km squares.
S. dupretii is a common species in the Alps (photos here), and on the Lawers range it occupies similar habitats - sun-baked, exposed calcareous schist outcrops.
In the field, this species is most similar to S. frigidum, but the capsules stick out much further from the cushions and are more abundant. Microscopically, the capsules have irregular, thin-walled exothecial cells and the leaf bases lack ascending groups of hyaline cells (these are always present in S. frigidum).
S. dupretii is known from Ben Lawers and also Creag an Lochain (my photos of this population from 2012 represent the first known occurrence of the species here and in VC89). Nationally, it is a very rare species, restricted to seven 10km squares.
S. dupretii is a common species in the Alps (photos here), and on the Lawers range it occupies similar habitats - sun-baked, exposed calcareous schist outcrops.
Schistidium frigidum var.havaasii
Meall Corranaich
Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
This very rare Schisitidum is another of the specialities of the Lawers range. It is known from Ben Lawers and Meall Corranaich but is scarce on both hills.
In the field it is distinctive in its small size, greenish colour and capsules on a short seta. The capsules are not as abundantly produced as in S.dupretii.
Under the microscope, S.frigidum has strongly sinuose leaf cells, a border of basal cells with distinctly thickened margins and the nerve ends below the leaf apex.
Nationally, S. frigidum var.havaasii is known from only seven 10km squares, only three of which have been observed since 1990. It is a near endemic plant, otherwise only known from western Norway. S. frigidum var. frigidum is more frequent, having been recorded from twelve hectads, and is much more widespread globally.
basal marginal cells, Meall Corranaich
In the field it is distinctive in its small size, greenish colour and capsules on a short seta. The capsules are not as abundantly produced as in S.dupretii.
Under the microscope, S.frigidum has strongly sinuose leaf cells, a border of basal cells with distinctly thickened margins and the nerve ends below the leaf apex.
Nationally, S. frigidum var.havaasii is known from only seven 10km squares, only three of which have been observed since 1990. It is a near endemic plant, otherwise only known from western Norway. S. frigidum var. frigidum is more frequent, having been recorded from twelve hectads, and is much more widespread globally.
basal marginal cells, Meall Corranaich
Grimmia pulvinata
below Lochan nan Cat
Britain's most common Grimmia is a rare sight on Ben Lawers, being largely a lowland moss. The population photographed here, at over 700m, is one of the highest-altitude populations in Britain.
The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
The species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Grimmia torquata
Along with G.funalis (below), this is the most common Grimmia at high altitude on the Lawers hills, where both species occur on base-rich outcrops.
It can be easily identified in the field by its twisted shoot tips with short hair-points.
It can be easily identified in the field by its twisted shoot tips with short hair-points.
Grimmia funalis
Meall Corranaich
below Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
G.funalis grows as dense cushions with a distinctively hoary look. When the weather has been misty, the cushions often stand out even more, as the hair points become covered with tiny dew droplets.
G.funalis is generally easy to recognise in the field, but where confusion occurs, examining a small patch will usually reveal much thinner, deciduous shoots which emerge from the base of the cushions.
G.funalis is generally easy to recognise in the field, but where confusion occurs, examining a small patch will usually reveal much thinner, deciduous shoots which emerge from the base of the cushions.
Grimmia hartmanii
Image coming soon!
Text coming soon!
Grimmia ramondii
winged nerve projecting dorsally in the leaf apex
leaf base, showing weak nerve and elongate cells
Grimmia ramondii is a distinctive Grimmia lacking hair points - the tip of the leaf is toothed instead. The most distinctve feature (shown here) is that the nerve projects on the dorsal side of the upper leaf as 2 to 4 wings (somewhat like Dicranum scoparium). These wings can be seen with a hand lens and are instantly visible under a low power microscope.
G.ramondii is widespread on the Lawers hills.
toothed tip to leaf
G.ramondii is widespread on the Lawers hills.
toothed tip to leaf
Grimmia anomala
The discovery of Grimmia anomala at Ben Lawers is unusual. It was recognised by a visiting Scandinavian bryologist on a field meeting in 2011, and at the time was new to the British flora. Specimens were checked and Grimmia nomala had actually been collected from the site in the early 20th century but had been misidentified as Grimmia hartmanii (which is actually very rare on the NNR and grows in a totally different habitat).
Since the discovery of G.anomala at Ben Lawers, it has been found at several other Scottish sites, always on rocks around high-altitude lochans.
in habitat
Since the discovery of G.anomala at Ben Lawers, it has been found at several other Scottish sites, always on rocks around high-altitude lochans.
in habitat
Racomitrium macounii ssp.alpinum
This rare species is another of the treasures of the Lawers hills. Within the NNR it is found only on Ben Lawers and I have only encountered it once over many years of study.
R.macounii ssp.alpinum has an unusual yellow-brown appearance for a Racomitrium and is quite distinctive as 'something different' when one sees it in the field. Microscopic analysis is necessary to confirm its identify, where leaf sections will show the margins to be one cell thick, rather than two. The leaves are rather brittle, though, so some perseverance is needed to obtain good sections!
R.macounii ssp.alpinum has an unusual yellow-brown appearance for a Racomitrium and is quite distinctive as 'something different' when one sees it in the field. Microscopic analysis is necessary to confirm its identify, where leaf sections will show the margins to be one cell thick, rather than two. The leaves are rather brittle, though, so some perseverance is needed to obtain good sections!
Racomitrium sudeticum
leaf section of specimen from Ben Lawers
A common moss of exposed acidic rocks in upland areas western and northern Britain, R.sudeticum is a frequent sight on Ben Lawers and its neighbouring hills.
Under the microscope, R.sudeticum has a distinctive leaf section, with a tristratose (3-cells high) nerve and a leaf lamina one cell thick apart from at the margins, which are bistratose for one or two rows.
Under the microscope, R.sudeticum has a distinctive leaf section, with a tristratose (3-cells high) nerve and a leaf lamina one cell thick apart from at the margins, which are bistratose for one or two rows.
Racomitrium himalayanum
Meall Corranaich
All the European sites for this rare species are in the Breadalbane mountains of central Scotland - the next-closest populations are in the Himalayas, as its name suggests.
R.himalayanum is fairly widespread on the NNR, where it occurs at high altitude on bae-rich crags. This combination of altitude and habitat is a good way of identifying it here, as no other richly-fertile, dark green Racomitrium species occur.
R.himalayanum is most similar to R.heterostichum and R.affine, but is distinguished by its long, narrow upper leaf cells and reflexed perichaetial leaves. Both of these similar species are very rare at high altitude on the Lawers hills.
R.himalayanum is fairly widespread on the NNR, where it occurs at high altitude on bae-rich crags. This combination of altitude and habitat is a good way of identifying it here, as no other richly-fertile, dark green Racomitrium species occur.
R.himalayanum is most similar to R.heterostichum and R.affine, but is distinguished by its long, narrow upper leaf cells and reflexed perichaetial leaves. Both of these similar species are very rare at high altitude on the Lawers hills.
Racomitrium heterostichum
dry cushion, by Lawers Burn
leaf section, showing bistratose nerve
This species is most common at lower altitudes in the NNR, although there are a few recent records from around 900m on Ben Lawers as well as some other peaks.
R.heterostichum is a common species of exposed crags, often on acidic rock. It is distinctively black when dry, with the prominent wispy hair points giving the patches a hoary appearance.
The key character for distinguishing this species from R.affine is the cross-section of the nerve, which is 2 cells thick in R.heterostichum, but 3-4 cells thick in R.affine. This latter species does occur on the NNR but appears to be much rarer.
R.heterostichum is a common species of exposed crags, often on acidic rock. It is distinctively black when dry, with the prominent wispy hair points giving the patches a hoary appearance.
The key character for distinguishing this species from R.affine is the cross-section of the nerve, which is 2 cells thick in R.heterostichum, but 3-4 cells thick in R.affine. This latter species does occur on the NNR but appears to be much rarer.
Racomitrium aciculare
This common moss of wet boulders beside streams is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Racomitrium aquaticum
Ben Lawers
This attractive species is widespread in all upland areas of Britain and is well-recorded from the Lawers NNR.
R.aquaticum is somewhat of a misnomer (at least in Britain), as the moss is only rarely aquatic, indeed it is far less-associated with permanent water than R.aciculare (see below). It is often found on damp crags where it is never dry for too long, but also not submerged or constantly inundated.
R.aquaticum lacks a hair point and can resemble G.ramondii (see above). When capsules are present, it is easy to see it is a Racomitrium and it lacks the winged nerve of G.ramondii. R.heterostichum can lack a hair point but lacks the papillose leaf cells of R.aquaticum.
R.aquaticum is somewhat of a misnomer (at least in Britain), as the moss is only rarely aquatic, indeed it is far less-associated with permanent water than R.aciculare (see below). It is often found on damp crags where it is never dry for too long, but also not submerged or constantly inundated.
R.aquaticum lacks a hair point and can resemble G.ramondii (see above). When capsules are present, it is easy to see it is a Racomitrium and it lacks the winged nerve of G.ramondii. R.heterostichum can lack a hair point but lacks the papillose leaf cells of R.aquaticum.
Racomitrium fasciculare
Named for its branching habit, this species is common on exposed acidic schist boulders across much of Scotland and this is the case on the Lawers NNR too.
This species is somewhat similar to forms of R.affine and R.heterostichum lacking a hair point, which often occur in similar habitats, but R.fasciculare has elongate upper leaf cells
This species is somewhat similar to forms of R.affine and R.heterostichum lacking a hair point, which often occur in similar habitats, but R.fasciculare has elongate upper leaf cells
Racomitrium lanuginosum
One of the most abundant mosses in acidic mountain habitats in Britain, this species is a very common sight on the Lawers hills, absent only where the substrate is strongly calcareous.
I've described this species in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
I've described this species in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Racomitrium ericoides
leaf base, showing border of rectangular hyaline cells
hair point detail, showing weakly papillose lower half and hyaline upper part
leaf section, showing tristratose nerve, all photos Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
These photos show the microscopic characters of R.ericoides.
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
lower portion of leaf, showing unusually weak, shallow nerve
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
lower portion of leaf, showing unusually weak, shallow nerve
Racomitrium elongatum
base of Cat Gully
R.elongatum is one of the R.canescens aggregate of species, characterised by papillose leaf cells and inflated alar cells. R.elongatum is less common than ericoides but is perhaps under-recorded.
This species is best examined microscopically to confirm its identity, where its short supra-alar cells and decurrent, denticulate hair point can be seen.
This species is best examined microscopically to confirm its identity, where its short supra-alar cells and decurrent, denticulate hair point can be seen.
Blindia acuta
A common moss in damp flushes and on damp crags across the Lawers hills, Blindia acuta is often abundant and conspicuous. Fruiting plants have cylindrical, pale capsules and sterile plants are easily recognised by the orange-brown leaf bases which are easily seen under a hand lens.
B.acuta's extremely rare cousin, B.caespiticia, is one of the 'elite' of Ben Lawers' mosses and is known from very few populations. It has its capsules embedded in the leaves and does not grow in the flushed habitats colonised by B.acuta. Sometimes fertile B.acuta growing on rock ledges can resemble B.caespiticia, but under a microscope is seen to have a longer leaf apex and a broader nerve at the leaf base.
B.acuta's extremely rare cousin, B.caespiticia, is one of the 'elite' of Ben Lawers' mosses and is known from very few populations. It has its capsules embedded in the leaves and does not grow in the flushed habitats colonised by B.acuta. Sometimes fertile B.acuta growing on rock ledges can resemble B.caespiticia, but under a microscope is seen to have a longer leaf apex and a broader nerve at the leaf base.
Blindia caespiticia
Ben Lawers
This great rarity, the diminutive cousin of Blindia acuta, has been well-known on Ben Lawers since Victorian times. Here, it is similarly rare and found on broken crags at high elevations, always in small quantity.
The immersed capsules make this an easy species to identify, although B.acuta can sometimes appear to have occasional immersed capsules and the leaves look more or less identical in the field. B.acuta also occurs on damp crags high up on Ben Lawers and is far more common, but patches of B.caespiticia have a very distinctive look about them when seen, so the two species are not easy to confuse in the field, despite sometimes being found together.
B.caespiticia is entirely confined to Ben Lawers on the NNR, apart from a single record from a crag below the Ben Lawers-Beinn Ghlas bealach.
The immersed capsules make this an easy species to identify, although B.acuta can sometimes appear to have occasional immersed capsules and the leaves look more or less identical in the field. B.acuta also occurs on damp crags high up on Ben Lawers and is far more common, but patches of B.caespiticia have a very distinctive look about them when seen, so the two species are not easy to confuse in the field, despite sometimes being found together.
B.caespiticia is entirely confined to Ben Lawers on the NNR, apart from a single record from a crag below the Ben Lawers-Beinn Ghlas bealach.
Timmia austriaca
Meall Corranaich
One of the real gems of the Lawers range, this attractive moss is extremely rare in Britain and known from only five 10km squares, one of which is on Meall Corranaich.
It is an easily recognised species (in Britain at least), resembling a translucent, pale green, soft-textured Polytrichum species, and quite unlike any other British moss.
T.austriaca is much more common in the mountains of continental Europe, where it occurs with the very similar-looking T.bavarica. You can see photos of both of these species and read more info in the Bryophytes of the Queyras section of the site.
It is an easily recognised species (in Britain at least), resembling a translucent, pale green, soft-textured Polytrichum species, and quite unlike any other British moss.
T.austriaca is much more common in the mountains of continental Europe, where it occurs with the very similar-looking T.bavarica. You can see photos of both of these species and read more info in the Bryophytes of the Queyras section of the site.
Timmia norvegica
Ben Lawers
While a very rare species species nationally, this species is widespread in suitable sites on the Lawers range, although it always seems to occur in small quantity. It grows as scattered, pale green shoots in damp, gravelly turf, often at the base of crags. It always occurs in highly calcareous sites, often with Saxifraga oppositifolia, which can be a good hint to search for it.
References often suggest T.norvegica resembles Dicranum scoparium, but in the field it has a very distinctive look about it, albeit one that isn't easy to put into words! It's one of those species that is easily-remembered once seen! The opaque, long, lanceolate leaves with sheathing bases are characteristic of this species, which occurs on Ben Lawers, Meall Corranaich, An Stuc and the Tarmachans. Nationally, it is restricted to Scotland, although it also occurs in NW Ireland.
References often suggest T.norvegica resembles Dicranum scoparium, but in the field it has a very distinctive look about it, albeit one that isn't easy to put into words! It's one of those species that is easily-remembered once seen! The opaque, long, lanceolate leaves with sheathing bases are characteristic of this species, which occurs on Ben Lawers, Meall Corranaich, An Stuc and the Tarmachans. Nationally, it is restricted to Scotland, although it also occurs in NW Ireland.
Encalypta alpina
One of three alpine Encalyptas found in Britain (excluding E.brevicolla), this has the most restricted distribution nationally and on the NNR, where it is known from Ben Lawers, Meall Corranaich and Meall nan Tarmachan.
E.alpina can be recognised by its lanceolate leaves, whcih appear much narrower and gently-tapered than other Encalyptas.
E.alpina can be recognised by its lanceolate leaves, whcih appear much narrower and gently-tapered than other Encalyptas.
Encalypta rhaptocarpa
Meall Corranaich
Creag Loisgte, Ben Lawers
This attractive species is the second of the montane specialists on Ben Lawers and its surrounding hills. It is found as small patches on base-rich crags, like its cousins.
E.rhaptocarpa is usually easy to recognise by its typical lingulate leaves (cf E.alpina) and unfringed calyptra (cf E.ciliata). When moist, the capsules are ridged along their length, although this feature is not always easy to see, in my experience.
leaf detail of specimen from Creag Loisgte
E.rhaptocarpa is usually easy to recognise by its typical lingulate leaves (cf E.alpina) and unfringed calyptra (cf E.ciliata). When moist, the capsules are ridged along their length, although this feature is not always easy to see, in my experience.
leaf detail of specimen from Creag Loisgte
Encalypta ciliata
Meall Corranaich
calyptra detail, showing diagnostic fringes
This last of the montane Encalyptas, E.ciliata is named for the fringes around the base of the calyptra, although this is only seen when the they are mature. Another easy feature to see is the yellow seta, which instantly distinguishes it from E.rhaptocarpa. The leaves of E.ciliata also tend to have shorter hair points.
E.ciliata has the widest distribution, nationally, of the three upland species and has a scattered distribution on the NNR. Like its cousins, however, it is invariably found in small quantity in any one place.
E.ciliata has the widest distribution, nationally, of the three upland species and has a scattered distribution on the NNR. Like its cousins, however, it is invariably found in small quantity in any one place.
Encalypta streptocarpa
Ben Lawers
This commn Encalypta occurs at higher altitudes on the Lawers hills, where it grows as scattered patches on open, gritty, base-rich soil. I've described the species in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Tetraplodon mnioides
Meall Garbh-An Stuc bealach
Unpredictable in occurrence, this spectacular moss is one I've only come across once on my visits to Ben Lawers.
The species is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
The species is described in the Mosses of other areas of Scotland section of the site.
Meesia uliginosa
Creag an Fhithich, Ben Lawers
inconspicuous Meesia amongst other bryophytes, N corrie of Beinn Ghlas
Meesia is a classic moss of permanently damp, base-rich rock crevices and soil beside flushes. It is known from across the NNR, but only where its precise habitat requirements are met.
The most conspicuous feature of this moss is its capsules, and these are often the only way it is noticed. Under a microscope, the moss becomes very distinctive, as the leaves are almost entirely made of nerve.
in habitat, N corrie of Beinn Ghlas
leaf detail, showing very broad nerve
The most conspicuous feature of this moss is its capsules, and these are often the only way it is noticed. Under a microscope, the moss becomes very distinctive, as the leaves are almost entirely made of nerve.
in habitat, N corrie of Beinn Ghlas
leaf detail, showing very broad nerve
Tayloria lingulata
N corrie of Beinn Ghlas
This very rare moss is one I was delighted to finally find. The Lawers hills are the national stronghold for this moss of flushed, calcareous rocks and soil.
Named for its tongue-shaped leaves, this species often occurs in small quantity but is easy to spot when fruiting - the wavy, red seta and erect capsules are very distinctive.
Named for its tongue-shaped leaves, this species often occurs in small quantity but is easy to spot when fruiting - the wavy, red seta and erect capsules are very distinctive.
Paraleucobryum longifolium
Ben Lawers
This fine, wispy moss is very rare on Ben Lawers, from where it has been known since the 19th century. It grows in sheltered block scree, where its long, fine leaves makes it easy to recognise.
in habitat, Ben Lawers
in habitat, Ben Lawers
Molendoa warburgii
Ben Lawers
microscopic image of leaf, showing obtuse apex
A scarce moss of damp, calcareous ground, Molendoa is an uncommon moss on the Lawers hills and often occurs in small quantity in any one place. It closely resembles Anoectangium aestivum (see above) and can gro