Leptopterigynandrum austroalpinum Müll.Hal.

  • 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

    Leskeaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Leptopterigynandrum austroalpinum Müll.Hal.

  • Description

    Species Description - With the characters given above. North American specimens are sterile, but sporophytes have been found in South America.

  • Discussion

    Fig. 637

    L. austro-alpinum C. Müll., Hedwigia 36: 114. 1897.

    Heterocladium austro-alpinum (C. Müll.) Broth, in E. & P., Nat. Pfl. 1(3): 980. 1907.

    Erythrodontium tenuicaule Williams, Bryologist 31: 113. 1928.

    Garysmithia bifurcata Steere, Phytologia 36: 165. 1977.

    The irregular branching and loosely appressed leaves with slender, subsecund tips are recognizable features of this rare species that is made remarkable by costae forked above and large numbers of very minute papillae on the leaf cells (barely discernible at high-dry magnifications—about x 400).

  • Distribution

    On rock and soil over rock at high altitudes (3800-4300 m); Veracruz (Cofre de Perote, De Luna, NY).—Mexico; Bolivia, Peru, and northern Argentina; Colorado; arctic and southeastern Alaska; Africa (Lesotho).

    Mexico North America| Bolivia South America| Peru South America| Argentina South America| United States of America North America| Lesotho Africa|