Calymperes

• Authority

  Sharp, Aaron J., et al. 1994. The Moss Flora of Mexico. Part One: Sphagnales to Bryales. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 69 (1): 1-452.

• Family

  Calymperaceae

• Scientific Name

  Calymperes

• Description

  Species Description - Mostly small, erect, gregarious, dark-green plants. Leaves erect or variously contorted; teniolae well-developed in some species, vestigial or absent in others; margins of the upper lamina mostly thickened, without elongate hyaline cells; cells rounded-quadrate to transversely elongate. Capsules exserted, enclosed in the persistent calyptrae; operculum rostrate; peristome absent. Calyptrae with longitudinal fissures and clasped around the seta below the capsule.

• Discussion

  When dry, the calyptra lifts the operculum up and away from the mouth of the capsule, and fissures open out to permit a release of spores. W h e n the calyptra is moist, the operculum is seated on the capsule mouth, and the fissures close up. Fruiting plants are distinguished at once from Syrrhopodon by the characteristic calyptra. Sterile plants of species with teniolae are distinctive, but sterile plants of species without teniolae can be taken for an elimbate Syrrhopodon (see key to genera of Calymperaceae, above).