Meteorium teres 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

    Meteoriaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Meteorium teres Mitt.

  • Description

    Species Description - Plants yellow-green, brown, or black. Secondary stems up to 11 cm long. Stem leaves imbricate when moist, spreading when dry, 1.8-2.5 x 0.4-1.1 mm, smooth, cucullate-concave, oblong to oblong-ovate from a cordate or auriculate base, abruptly apiculate; margins entire or serrulate; cells 1-2-papillose; apical cells 15-40 x 3-5 µm; median cells 25-73 x 3-5 µm; basal cells 13-37 x 4-9 µm; auricular cells 20-33 x 3-4 µm. Branches tumid, up to 5 cm long. Branch leaves similar to stem leaves, 1.5-3.1 x 0.5-1.5 mm; apical cells 10-45 x 3-5 µm; median cells 27-66 x 3-6 µm; basal cells 17-42 x 4-10 µm; auricular cells 21-37 x 3-5 µm. Setae up to 8 mm long, rough; exostome and endostome papillose. Spores slightly ovoid, yellow-brown, roughened, 13-27 µm.

  • Discussion

    Fig. 543

    M. teres Mitt., J. Linn. Soc, Bot. 12: 438. 1869.

    The deeply cucullate-concave, smooth, apiculate leaves are diagnostic.

  • Distribution

    Hanging from branches oftrees, occasionally on trunks, logs, or rocks, al low to moderate altitudes; Chiapas, Hidalgo, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, San Luis Potosi, Tamaulipas, Veracruz.—Mexico; Central America; Ecuador

    Mexico North America| Ecuador South America| Central America|