Jaegerina scariosa
Amer. Midl. Naturalist 52: 12. 1954.
Stem leaves 1–2 × 0.7–1.5 mm; costa sometimes 2-fid; alar cells 4–8, small; medial laminal cells 33–60 × 2–3 µm. Sporophytes unknown.
Habitat: Humid hardwood forests and hammocks, tree trunks, especially Magnolia grandiflora
Elevation: low to moderate elevations (0-800 m)
Distribution
Fla., La., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, n South America, Africa.
Discussion
The extreme variability of the costa of Jaegerina scariosa has resulted in a surplus of names for this species. Individual plants may have leaves with a weak or moderately strong single costa to mid leaf or longer, sometimes 2-fid distally, a double, short costa, or a mere trace at the leaf base. The species is readily recognized in the field, where it forms small tufts of erect stems on tree trunks. The leaves are glossy yellow and always broadly spreading to squarrose, giving the plants a distinctive appearance. Leucodon julaceus and species of Cryphaea occupy the same habitat, but are smaller and have appressed leaves when dry, among other differences. Neither gametangia nor sporophytes are known for J. scariosa in the flora area.
Selected References
None.