Cryphaea apiculata Mitt.

  • Authority

    Sharp, Aaron J., et al. 1994. The Moss Flora of Mexico. Part Two: Orthotrichales to Polytrichales. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 69 (2)

  • Family

    Cryphaeaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Cryphaea apiculata Mitt.

  • Description

    Species Description - Stems up to 5 cm long, with branches 0.5-1 cm long. Stem and branch leaves similar. Leaves imbricate with tips occasionally reflexed when dry, spreading when moist, 1.1-2 mm long, 0.6-1.2 mm wide, ovate or elliptic, abruptly contracted to a slender acumen; margins revolute, entire throughout or rarely serrulate above; costa 0.5-0.7 the leaf length; upper cells smooth, elliptic, those at the apex oblong-elliptic and 20-29(-33) x 5-10 µm. Perichaetial leaves with awns generally shorter than the laminae. Capsules ovoid to ellipsoid. Spores 26-33 µm. Calyptrae slightly papillose above.

  • Discussion

    Fig. 515f, g

    C. apiculata B.S.G., Bryol. Eur. 5(fasc. 44/45). 1850, non Mitt., 1869.

    C. cuspidata Schimp. ex Besch., Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg 16: 213. 1872, non B.S.G., 1850.

    C. latifolia Mitt., J. Linn. Soc, Bot. 12: 411. 1869.

    The ovate or elliptic, more or less entire leaves with abruptly and slenderly acuminate tips, almost hairpoints, and rather long, smooth upper cells make this species quite recognizable.

  • Distribution

    On bark, often on branches, at about 2500 m alt.; Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Puebla,Veracruz.—Mexico; Guatemala; and northern South America.

    Mexico North America| Guatemala Central America| French Guiana South America| Colombia South America| Brazil South America| Ecuador South America| Guyana South America| Suriname South America| Venezuela South America|