Sphagnum austinii
Kentra Moss SSSI, Sunart (all photos)
Sphagnum austinii is one of Britain's rarer members of the genus, and has a strictly western and northern distribution. It is a species of pristine bogs, where it grows as large, dense hummocks with a distinctive reddish-brown colour.
S.austinii shares its habitat with the brown S.fuscum, but can be distinguished by its short, curved, pointed branches and the hummocks have a noticeably bumpy, even surface.
S.austinii shares its habitat with the brown S.fuscum, but can be distinguished by its short, curved, pointed branches and the hummocks have a noticeably bumpy, even surface.
Sphagnum palustre
Pollochro Wood SSSI, Loch Lomond
red-orange winter colouration, Flanders Moss NNR
This very common Sphagnum can be found across much of Scotland.
It is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
It is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Sphagnum papillosum
Flanders Moss NNR, Stirlingshire
This common Sphagnum is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
Across Scotland, this species is a common component of blanket bogs and wet moorland.
Across Scotland, this species is a common component of blanket bogs and wet moorland.
Sphagnum magellanicum
Kentra Moss SSSI, SunartText coming soon, pending re-examination of specimen.
Sphagnum girgensohnii
Glen Loin SSSI, Arrochar
This species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
S. girgensohnii is a widespread species in Scotland, occurring in damp woodland, marshes and even in acidic, high altitude flushes.
S. girgensohnii is a widespread species in Scotland, occurring in damp woodland, marshes and even in acidic, high altitude flushes.
Sphagnum capillifolium ssp.rubellum
Flanders Moss NNR, Stirlingshire
This common species is a familiar sight on bogs and wet heathland across Scotland, easily recognised by its bright red colour, although shaded parts may be green. It grows in loose turfs, rather than dense hummocks.
Some authorities consider this Sphagnum to be a species in its own right, differing from S.capillifolium in its rounded, rather than triangular stem leaves, lacking elongate leaves on white branch tips, and having curved upper branches.
Some authorities consider this Sphagnum to be a species in its own right, differing from S.capillifolium in its rounded, rather than triangular stem leaves, lacking elongate leaves on white branch tips, and having curved upper branches.
Sphagnum compactum
Corrie Fee NNR
This widespread, common species is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
S. compactum has a wide distribution in Scotland but is most common north of the Central Belt.
Corrie Fee NNR
S. compactum has a wide distribution in Scotland but is most common north of the Central Belt.
Corrie Fee NNR
Sphagnum quinquefarium
Craighoyle Wood SSSI, Cowal
This fairly common Sphagnum is most frequently seen as a plant of woodland banks in humid sites in western Britain, although it also occurs amongst heather on oceanic hillsides in the north. Unusually for the genus, it is a species that hates being too wet and is never found with its feet in water.
Although superficially similar to other green species, S.quinquefarium is recognisable by its tendency to have branches spreading in groups of three from the stems, and the branches have all leaves neatly in straight lines.
Although superficially similar to other green species, S.quinquefarium is recognisable by its tendency to have branches spreading in groups of three from the stems, and the branches have all leaves neatly in straight lines.
Sphagnum warnstorfii
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
One of four base-loving Sphagnum species in Scotland, S.warnstorfii is the one which looks like a 'typical' red member of the genus, although the plants in this photo are rather pale.
This is a plant of flushes and never occurs in standing water. In this habitat, it is only likely to be confused with S.contortum and S.teres - see below for further information.
S. warnstorfii is widespread in Scotland, with strongholds in the Southern Uplands and eastern Highlands.
This is a plant of flushes and never occurs in standing water. In this habitat, it is only likely to be confused with S.contortum and S.teres - see below for further information.
S. warnstorfii is widespread in Scotland, with strongholds in the Southern Uplands and eastern Highlands.
Sphagnum auriculatum (syn. S.denticulatum)
Glen Falloch Pinewood SSSI, Loch Lomond
This very common moss of permanently wet, acidic sites is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
S. auriculatum can be seen across nearly all of Scotland, including at high altitudes.
S. auriculatum can be seen across nearly all of Scotland, including at high altitudes.
Sphagnum contortum
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Typical S.contortum is easily-recognised by its often pale colour, which contrasts strongly with the dark flush mosses with which it commonly associates.
In contrast to S.platyphyllum, S.teres and S.warnstorfii, this species has delicate-looking branches with leaves that conpicuously stick out at an angle. The species name derives from the strongly-curved branch leaves, whcih also have inrolled margins, making them appear very narrow and pointed.
S.contortum is fairly widespread in Scotland, with most sites at lower altitudes in the Highlands or along the west coast.
In contrast to S.platyphyllum, S.teres and S.warnstorfii, this species has delicate-looking branches with leaves that conpicuously stick out at an angle. The species name derives from the strongly-curved branch leaves, whcih also have inrolled margins, making them appear very narrow and pointed.
S.contortum is fairly widespread in Scotland, with most sites at lower altitudes in the Highlands or along the west coast.
Sphagnum platyphyllum
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Cairnwell SSSI, Glen Shee
Unlike S.contortum above, this flush-loving species is shorter and the branches have a distinctive 'chunky' appearance caused by the overlapping, strongly concave branch leaves, which do not stick out like in S.contortum.
S.platyphyllum is by far the least common of the base-demanding Sphagnum species, although it is still present in all upland parts of Scotland.
Nationally, it is uncommon in Wales, very rare in western Ireland and completely absent from England.
S.platyphyllum is by far the least common of the base-demanding Sphagnum species, although it is still present in all upland parts of Scotland.
Nationally, it is uncommon in Wales, very rare in western Ireland and completely absent from England.
Sphagnum tenellum
Glen Falloch Pinewood SSSI, Loch Lomond
The 'skinniest' of our British Sphagnum species, S.tenellum is a characteristic plant of heathy slopes in the west of Scotland, but also grows on bogs like many of its cousins.
As a species, it is very easy to recognise by its small size and delicate appearance, growing in loose wefts. It is also often a pale golden-orange colour. When handled, the branches often shed some of their leaves.
S.tenellum is a common plant in Scotland, found across almost the whole country, wherever there is suitable habitat.
As a species, it is very easy to recognise by its small size and delicate appearance, growing in loose wefts. It is also often a pale golden-orange colour. When handled, the branches often shed some of their leaves.
S.tenellum is a common plant in Scotland, found across almost the whole country, wherever there is suitable habitat.
Sphagnum cuspidatum
Flanders Moss NNR, Stirlingshire
This highly aquatic Sphagnum in widespread in freshwater habitats across much of northern Britain. It is often conspicuous as wispy, delicate-looking plants completely submerged in standing water in pools on blanket bogs or in ditches on moorland. When out of water, the branches tend to flop (as in these photos), giving a denser appearance than normal.
The only species likely to cause confusion with S.cuspidatum is its close relative, S.fallax, but that species never has such long, wispy branches and its stem leaf is shorter and less acutely triangular.
The only species likely to cause confusion with S.cuspidatum is its close relative, S.fallax, but that species never has such long, wispy branches and its stem leaf is shorter and less acutely triangular.
Sphagnum fallax
Resipol ravine, Sunart
Flanders Moss NNR, Stirlingshire
This common Sphagnum is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
S. fallax is a very common species and can be found across almost all of Scotland, including at high altitude.
S. fallax is a very common species and can be found across almost all of Scotland, including at high altitude.
Sphagnum riparium
Glas Maol, Glenshee
Sphagnum riparium is a rare species nationally, with most known sites in the Scottish Highlands, often at high altitude. Here, it can occur in considerable quantity beside springheads and in marshy pools on summit plateaux.
In the field, this Sphagnum is a distinctive bright green, with a stiff, brittle stem. Under a hand lens or microscope, the characteristic stem leaves with a deep, jagged notch missing from their tips make this an easy species to identify. (see below)
stem leaf apex
In the field, this Sphagnum is a distinctive bright green, with a stiff, brittle stem. Under a hand lens or microscope, the characteristic stem leaves with a deep, jagged notch missing from their tips make this an easy species to identify. (see below)
stem leaf apex
Sphagnum lindbergii
Lochnagar, Grampians
S.lindbergii is a classic moss of Arctic habitats on summit plateaux in the Scottish Highlands. The entire British population is found here, as well as on Shetland. In favoured sites, it can be abundant and form large mats with a distinctive orange-brown colour, reminiscent of S.pulchrum (although that species is not found on mountains).
Visually, S.lindbergii is a handsome species and easy to recognise in its distinctive habitat, as the stems are very dark brown and the stem leaves are broad with very ragged tips.
in habitat
Visually, S.lindbergii is a handsome species and easy to recognise in its distinctive habitat, as the stems are very dark brown and the stem leaves are broad with very ragged tips.
in habitat
Andreaea rupestris
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
The species is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
A. rupestris can be found across Scotland and is often a common and consipcuous species on acidic, upland rocks.
A. rupestris can be found across Scotland and is often a common and consipcuous species on acidic, upland rocks.
Andreaea megistospora
Image coming soon!
This rare species is very close to A.rothii, and can only be distinguished by measuring the diamter of the spores under a microscope. As its name suggests, this species has much larger spores - as much as twice the size of its much more common cousin.
The specimen I found at Glen Falloch Pinewood SSSI in 2011 represented the first record in West Perthshire since the 19th century and is in the British Bryological Society Herbarium of voucher specimens. Records are sparse but widely scattered in Scotland, mainly in the west.
The specimen I found at Glen Falloch Pinewood SSSI in 2011 represented the first record in West Perthshire since the 19th century and is in the British Bryological Society Herbarium of voucher specimens. Records are sparse but widely scattered in Scotland, mainly in the west.
Polytrichastrum alpinum
Ben A'an SSSI, Trossachs
This species is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
P. alpinum is widespread in acidic, upland habitats in Scotland but also descends to low altitudes in the far north.
P. alpinum is widespread in acidic, upland habitats in Scotland but also descends to low altitudes in the far north.
Distichium capillaceum
Glen Shee
Ailnack Gorge, Cairngorms
Rhabdoweisia crenulata
Glencoe
Rhabdoweisia species are quite characteristic in appearance as a genus, but can be very tricky to distinguish until the leaf cells are measured under a microscope.
R.crenulata is characterised by having wide leaf cells. The scientific name, describing the dentate leaf margins is not helpful in identification, as the other two British species in the genus often have this same character. They do, however, have narrower leaf cells.
R.crenulata has the narrowest distribution of the british species, especially in Scotland, where it is almost entirely restricted to the western half of the country. This reflects its need for higher humidity. The plants photographed here were growing beside a waterfall - a typical habitat for R.crenulata.
R.crenulata is characterised by having wide leaf cells. The scientific name, describing the dentate leaf margins is not helpful in identification, as the other two British species in the genus often have this same character. They do, however, have narrower leaf cells.
R.crenulata has the narrowest distribution of the british species, especially in Scotland, where it is almost entirely restricted to the western half of the country. This reflects its need for higher humidity. The plants photographed here were growing beside a waterfall - a typical habitat for R.crenulata.
Cynodontium strumiferum
image coming soon!
Lochan an Uaine, Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
Lochan an Uaine, Glenmore Forest, Cairngorms
Text coming soon.
Dichodontium flavescens
Resipol ravine, Sunart
This species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Dichodontium palustre
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
Lochnagar, Grampians
This widespread, abundant species of acidic, marshy habitats is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Dicranella heteromalla
Artilligan SSSI, Argyll
This common moss is a typical species of acidic, damp habitats in dappled shade, such as open woodland.
Its distinctive features are the fine, silky-looking, falcate leaves and small, beaked capsules on long, yellow setae. Microscopically, the leaves have strongly-denticulate apices.
Ben A'an SSSI, Trossachs
Its distinctive features are the fine, silky-looking, falcate leaves and small, beaked capsules on long, yellow setae. Microscopically, the leaves have strongly-denticulate apices.
Ben A'an SSSI, Trossachs
Kiaeria falcata
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
This species is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Kiaeria starkei
Garbh-choire, Glas Maol, Glenshee
Text coming soon.
Dicranum scoparium
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
Pollochro Wood SSSI, Loch Lomond
D.scoparium is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Sonachan Hazelwood, Ardnamurchan
Sonachan Hazelwood, Ardnamurchan
Dicranum majus
Glen Loin SSSI, Arrochar
D.majus is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Dicranum fuscescens
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Arrochar
Glenborrodale RSPB Reserve, Ardnamurchan
Dicranodontium uncinatum
Glen Nevis
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
Although fairly common in western Scotland in suitable habitat, this moss is rare in Britain. Like its close cousin, D.asperulum, it grows in oceanic, acidic turf on rocky mountain slopes where it can always stay moist and shaded.
D.uncinatum is easy to recognise microscopically, as the leaf margins are more or less toothed from base to apex, unlike the two other members of the genus in Britain.
D.uncinatum is easy to recognise microscopically, as the leaf margins are more or less toothed from base to apex, unlike the two other members of the genus in Britain.
Dicranodontium asperulum
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
As described above, this nationally uncommon moss is a specialist of the oceanic west of Scotland, where it is locally frequent.
Microscopically, this attractive moss is usually easy to distinguish from D.uncinatum, as the prominent teeth on the leaf edges are only found in the upper half of the leaves - the lower half is entire.
Microscopically, this attractive moss is usually easy to distinguish from D.uncinatum, as the prominent teeth on the leaf edges are only found in the upper half of the leaves - the lower half is entire.
Dicranodontium denudatum
Artilligan SSSI, Argyll
This oceanic moss is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Unlike the two species above, this moss tends to avoid open habitats, favouring woodland.
Unlike the two species above, this moss tends to avoid open habitats, favouring woodland.
Campylopus brevipilus
Kentra Moss, Ardnamurchan
This mire specialist is described in the Mosses of Dorset section of the site.
Campylopus flexuosus
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
This common Campylopus is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Campylopus atrovirens
Glencoe, Argyll
Coire nam Beith, GlencoeThis attractive blackish-green moss is common in acidic, flushed habitats on humid mountain slopes in Scotland. It is described in more detail in the Bryophytes of Cumbria section of the site.
Leucobryum juniperoideum
Artilligan SSSI, Argyll
Leucobryums are common mosses of acidic woodland floors in many parts of Scotland.
The two species look very similar and can be difficult to separate. L.glaucum is much the more common in Scotland, with L.juniperoideum being restricted to scattered sites in the west.
Microscopical analysis is needed to determine which species is present when capsules are absent (which is normally the case in Britain). L.juniperoideum has narrow cells at the widest part of the leaf (less than 30 microns), whereas L.glaucum has cells wider than 30 microns.
The two species look very similar and can be difficult to separate. L.glaucum is much the more common in Scotland, with L.juniperoideum being restricted to scattered sites in the west.
Microscopical analysis is needed to determine which species is present when capsules are absent (which is normally the case in Britain). L.juniperoideum has narrow cells at the widest part of the leaf (less than 30 microns), whereas L.glaucum has cells wider than 30 microns.
Fissidens adianthoides
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
Weissia perssonii
Ardnamurchan Point, Ardnamurchan
This abundantly-fertile little moss is a speciality of the west coast of Britain, where it grows on cliffs and rocks. Like other Weissias, it grows on thin soil, rather than directly on the rock itself.
Visually, this species resembles the very common W.controversa, but microscopically it differs in having smooth (rather than papillose) cells along the nerve on the ventral/adaxial side of the leaf. The strictly coastal habitat is a good field character for identification.
Visually, this species resembles the very common W.controversa, but microscopically it differs in having smooth (rather than papillose) cells along the nerve on the ventral/adaxial side of the leaf. The strictly coastal habitat is a good field character for identification.
Tortella tortuosa
Corrie Fee NNR, Angus
Glen Falloch Pinewood SSSI, Loch Lomond
Trichostomum crispulum
Ailnack Gorge, Cairngorms
This widespread calcicole is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Oxystegus daldinianus
Resipol ravine, Sunart
Text coming soon!
Anoectangium aestivum
Coire nam Beith, Glencoe
This common upland species is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers NNR section of the site.
Corrie Fee NNR, Angus
Corrie Fee NNR, Angus
Didymodon spadiceus
Rumbling Bridge, Strathbraan, Perthshire
This species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Tortula subulata
Resipol ravine, SunartThis common species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Tortula muralis
Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
This moss is very common indeed, growing in almost any stony, dry lowland habitat, from coastal rocks to urban concrete walls.
T.muralis has very distinctive long, white hair points on the leaves, which have strongly-recurved margins, along with typical Tortula capsules with long, beaked calyptrae.
T.muralis has very distinctive long, white hair points on the leaves, which have strongly-recurved margins, along with typical Tortula capsules with long, beaked calyptrae.
Syntrichia ruralis ssp.ruralis
Ailnack Gorge, Cairngorms
Another very common member of the Pottiaceae, S.ruralis is a typical species of dry, sunny, calcareous rocks at low altitude (although in mainland Europe, this species ascends high into the alpine zone).
S.ruralis occurs as two subspecies: ssp.ruralis is characterised by having obtuse leaf apices from which a long hair point extends rather suddenly. ssp.ruraliformis has gently-tapering leaf apices with the hair point forming a natural extension.
Ssp.ruralis is more common, although in Scotland it is rare in the wet west. Ssp.ruraliformis is mainly a coastal subspecies.
S.ruralis occurs as two subspecies: ssp.ruralis is characterised by having obtuse leaf apices from which a long hair point extends rather suddenly. ssp.ruraliformis has gently-tapering leaf apices with the hair point forming a natural extension.
Ssp.ruralis is more common, although in Scotland it is rare in the wet west. Ssp.ruraliformis is mainly a coastal subspecies.
Syntrichia ruralis var. ruraliformis
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
S.ruralis ssp.ruraliformis is described above, with S.r.ssp.ruralis.
Bryoerythrophyllum recurvirostrum
Cairnwell SSSI, Glen Shee
This common moss is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Schistidium rivulare
in habitat, Rumbling Bridge, Strathbraan, Perthshire
As its name suggests, this is a species of river margins, where it grows as straggly, fairly robust patches on rocks and tree roots. It is a dark-coloured species, appearing black with only the tip of the shoots being bright green.
Like S.platyphyllum, S.rivulare has leaves which lack a point. The leaf apices are usually denticulate and are strongly-keeled, however, which precludes confusion between the two species.
S. rivulare is found thoughout Scotland apart from the high mountains, with no records above 700m altitude.
Like S.platyphyllum, S.rivulare has leaves which lack a point. The leaf apices are usually denticulate and are strongly-keeled, however, which precludes confusion between the two species.
S. rivulare is found thoughout Scotland apart from the high mountains, with no records above 700m altitude.
Schistidium maritimum
Ardnamurchan Point
Few mosses cope well with the constant salt spray and exposed habitat, but S.maritimum is one of the best-adapted and most commonly-seen. The dense green cushions studded with typical Schistidium capsules make it easy to recognise.
S. maritimum is known from nearly the entire Scottish coast, except for some eastern areas where sand dunes dominate, rather than coastal rocks.
S. maritimum is known from nearly the entire Scottish coast, except for some eastern areas where sand dunes dominate, rather than coastal rocks.
Schistidium atrofuscum
Ailnack Gorge, Cairngorms
One of the rarest Schistidiums in Britain, S.atrofuscum thrives in hot, dry, calcareous montane habitats (hence its absence from large parts of Britain and frequent occurrence in the Alps).
In appearance it is distinctly black, with capsules on short setae. Its leaves lack a hair point (or at most have a very short one). The cushions are dense and low, often crumbling when examined.
In appearance it is distinctly black, with capsules on short setae. Its leaves lack a hair point (or at most have a very short one). The cushions are dense and low, often crumbling when examined.
Schistidium helveticum
Ailnack Gorge, Cairngorms
Only recently recognised from Britain, this is an extremely rare species on our shores, known only from a few scattered sites. Like S.atrofuscum, it inhabits hot, dry, calcareous upland rocks but when the two species are seen next to each other (as at this locality), they are easily distinguished.
S.helveticum is a distinctive chocolate-brown colour. Its leaves lack a hair point but have a longer capsule with longer peristome teeth than its close relative atrofuscum.
S.helveticum is a distinctive chocolate-brown colour. Its leaves lack a hair point but have a longer capsule with longer peristome teeth than its close relative atrofuscum.
Schistidium apocarpum
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
Text coming soon!
Racomitrium aciculare
Glen Shee
This species is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
It is a very common species nationally, and can be found almost throughout Scotland, except for some eastern coastal areas.
It is a very common species nationally, and can be found almost throughout Scotland, except for some eastern coastal areas.
Grimmia montana
in habitat, Traprain Law, East Lothian
Despite its name, G.montana is not a montane moss in Britain, and is only rarely found above 500m altitude.
G.montana is also a rare species everywhere in Britain. One of its strongholds is in the eastern Borders in Scotland, where it can be locally very abundant on the igneous hills along the coast. At Traprain Law, G.montana is perhaps the most abundant moss on exposed rocks across the summit area, where it occurs as dense, small, hoary cushions. Superficially, it resembles G.pulvinata but is denser and usually lacks capsules.
Microscopically, G.montana has a distinctive leaf section shape which makes identification relatively straightforward in most cases.
G.montana is also a rare species everywhere in Britain. One of its strongholds is in the eastern Borders in Scotland, where it can be locally very abundant on the igneous hills along the coast. At Traprain Law, G.montana is perhaps the most abundant moss on exposed rocks across the summit area, where it occurs as dense, small, hoary cushions. Superficially, it resembles G.pulvinata but is denser and usually lacks capsules.
Microscopically, G.montana has a distinctive leaf section shape which makes identification relatively straightforward in most cases.
Grimmia donniana
Corrie Fee NNR, Angus
I've described the species in more detail in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
G. donniana is a fairly uncommon species in Scotland, with most records coming from the Southern Uplands and the eastern Highlands.
G. donniana is a fairly uncommon species in Scotland, with most records coming from the Southern Uplands and the eastern Highlands.
Grimmia ramondii
Cairnwell Pass, Glen Shee
Text coming soon.
Racomitrium heterostichum
leaf apex, showing slightly decurrent hair point, Traprain Law, East Lothian (all photos)
This widespread Racomitrium is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers NNR section of the site.
R. heterostichum can be found across early all of Scotland, including at high altitudes (despite the information in Smith's Flora stating it occurs only up to around 400m altitude).
leaf section showing bistratose nerve
R. heterostichum can be found across early all of Scotland, including at high altitudes (despite the information in Smith's Flora stating it occurs only up to around 400m altitude).
leaf section showing bistratose nerve
Racomitrium ericoides
Hidden Valley, Glencoe
The commonest member of the R.canescens aggregate of species, R.ericoides is described in the Bryophytes of the Lake District section of the site.
It is often a common and conspicuous moss in mountainous areas of Scotland but also occurs widely at lower elevations.
It is often a common and conspicuous moss in mountainous areas of Scotland but also occurs widely at lower elevations.
Racomitrium elongatum
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Racomitrium canescens
Ailnack Gorge, Cairngorms
This attractive species is the rarest member of the R.canescens species aggregate in Britain and always a very nice find.
In Scotland, it is recorded from widely-scattered sites (as is the case in the rest of Britain) and tends to inhabit very well-drained, sunny, warm microclimates, which are almost always calcareous.
The hoary appreance of plants in the field is usually very characteristic, but microscopically, this is an easily-determined species, as the nerve is only shallow and weak (unlike R.ericoides and R.elongatum) and the leaves are strongly papillose, including the hair point.
In Scotland, it is recorded from widely-scattered sites (as is the case in the rest of Britain) and tends to inhabit very well-drained, sunny, warm microclimates, which are almost always calcareous.
The hoary appreance of plants in the field is usually very characteristic, but microscopically, this is an easily-determined species, as the nerve is only shallow and weak (unlike R.ericoides and R.elongatum) and the leaves are strongly papillose, including the hair point.
Ptychomitrium polyphyllum
road to Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
The strongly-crisped leaves and erect capsule of Ptychomitrium give this widespread species a neat, pincushion look. It tends to grow in exposed habitats, always on rock, but avoids deep shade and strongly calcareous sites.
Ptychomitrium can resemble other cushion-forming species, but can be distinguished by a combination of its strongly-toothed leaf apices and erect capsules with deeply-divided peristomes.
Ptychomitrium can resemble other cushion-forming species, but can be distinguished by a combination of its strongly-toothed leaf apices and erect capsules with deeply-divided peristomes.
Glyphomitrium daviesii
road to Sanna Bay, Ardnamurchan
This rare, attractive moss is a speciality of the oceanic west coast of Scotland, where the vast majority of its British sites are found.
It is a highly distinctive species when fruiting and the unusual calyptrae are present. The peristome is also characteristic, with teeth joined in pairs. When these are not present, rhizoidal gemmae with distinctive cells are usually present and will separate this from potentially confusing species like Amphidium lapponicum.
Globally, Glyphomitrium is a rather restricted species, found only in western Britain (mainly Scotland), Iceland, the Faroe Islands, S Norway, Madeira and the Azores.
It is a highly distinctive species when fruiting and the unusual calyptrae are present. The peristome is also characteristic, with teeth joined in pairs. When these are not present, rhizoidal gemmae with distinctive cells are usually present and will separate this from potentially confusing species like Amphidium lapponicum.
Globally, Glyphomitrium is a rather restricted species, found only in western Britain (mainly Scotland), Iceland, the Faroe Islands, S Norway, Madeira and the Azores.
Blindia acuta
Corrie Fee NNR, Angus
This species is described in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Blindia acuta is very common throughout Scotland apart from eastern coastal areas and the Central Belt, wherever damp, rocky ground lies.
Blindia acuta is very common throughout Scotland apart from eastern coastal areas and the Central Belt, wherever damp, rocky ground lies.
Seligeria recurvata
The most widespread of Britain's Seligeria species, this very small moss is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Tetraplodon mnioides
Morrone Birkwood SSSI, Braemar
Always an attractive sight, this lovely species is one of the more widespread Splachnaceae in Britain - a group of mosses interesting in being mainly reliant on dung or animal remains for their habitat.
Tetraplodon is mainly found on old bones such as sheep or deer skeletons on mountain slopes, although it can be seen in the lowlands too. The long, fine leaf apices will distinguish this species from similar genera. The much rarer T.angustatus has serrated leaf margins and is smaller. The majority of its sites are in the Cairngorms.
Tetraplodon is mainly found on old bones such as sheep or deer skeletons on mountain slopes, although it can be seen in the lowlands too. The long, fine leaf apices will distinguish this species from similar genera. The much rarer T.angustatus has serrated leaf margins and is smaller. The majority of its sites are in the Cairngorms.
Bryum capillare
Falls of Leny, Callander, TrossachsThis very common Bryum is described in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Bryum pseudotriquetrum
Glen Shee
Bryum elegans
Glen Shee
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Derbyshire section of the site.
Anomobryum julaceum
Pollochro Wood SSSI, Loch Lomond
This species is described in more detail in the Mosses of Ben Lawers section of the site.
Amphidium mougeotii
Ben A'an SSSI, Trossachs
In Scotland, this is a common moss of damp rocks, especially in sheltered or slightly shaded locations, such as rock ledges in ravines. The cushion-like growth habit, narrow, curved leaves and strong green colour make it generally easy to recognise. Anoectangium aestivum has a similar growth habit but is a much brighter colour and has shorter, broader leaves. The much rarer A.lapponicum is smaller, often richly-fertile and grows in calcareous habitats.
Microscopically, A.mougeotii is easily-confirmed by its leaf cells, which have a characteristically striated appearance, due to lines of papillae on the undersides.
Microscopically, A.mougeotii is easily-confirmed by its leaf cells, which have a characteristically striated appearance, due to lines of papillae on the undersides.
Mnium thomsonii
Glen Shee
Mnium hornum
Falls of Leny, Callander, Trossachs
Pseudobryum cinclidioides
Glas Maol, Glenshee
Text coming soon.