Pogonatum subflexuosum (Lorenz) Broth.

  • 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

    Polytrichaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Pogonatum subflexuosum (Lorenz) Broth.

  • Description

    Species Description - Plants tall and slender, in loose tufts. Stems simple or continuing growth by subfloral innovations, (4-)6-8(-10) cm tall, densely leafy above, bracteate below. Leaves erect, tightly involute-tubulose when dry, flat and stiffly spreading when moist; sheath oblong-rectangular to ± obovate, 2.5 mm long, 2 mm wide, entire; limb linear-lanceolate, toothed at back in the upper half, 5-6 mm long, 0.9-1 mm wide, the marginal portion ofthe lamina narrow, 2-3 cells wide, serrate and toothed; band of thin-walled cells between the dorsal and ventral cells extending less than half the width of the lamina in section; lamellae dentate to sermlate-dentate in profile, with dentations sloping toward the leaf apex, 3-4 cells high, with marginal cells flask-shaped, terminated by a distinct knob, single or more commonly in pairs, smooth, 10 µm wide, 16-20 µm tall, narrower (when single) and taller than the cells beneath; sheath cells rectangular, 60-90 µm long, 10 µm wide. Perichaetial leaves not strongly differentiated. Setae slender, 1.5-2.5 cm long; capsules cylindric to ovoid-cylindric, inclined, 4 mm long, 1.5 mm in diameter; exothecial cells thick-walled, mammillose, 23-26 x 35-40 µm; operculum with a short beak; peristome teeth 32, double, red-orange. Spores 12 µm, finely papillose.

  • Discussion

    Fig. 809

    P. subflexuosum (Lor.) Broth, in E. & P., Nat. Pfl. 1(3): 691. 1905.

    Polytrichum subflexuosum Lor., Moosstudien 157. 1864.

    Pogonatum glaciate Mitt., J. Linn. Soc, Bot. 12: 614. 1869.

    Pogonatum ericaefolium is similar in habit, but the leaves have a narrower limb that tends to be stiffly squarrose-spreading when moist, longer sheath cells, and a bistratose lamellate portion ofthe lamina. Pogonatum comosum differs from both species in having broader, lanceolate leaf hmbs (spreading recurved when moist), less well-developed sheaths, broader, shorter sheath cells, and a conspicuous median band of hydroidlike cells occupying the full width of the lamina.

  • Distribution

    Distrito Federal, Oaxaca, Veracruz.—Mexico; Central America.

    Mexico North America| Central America|