Orthotrichum speciosum
in J. Sturm et al., Deutschl. Fl. 2 (17): 5. 1819.
Plants 0.8–5 cm. Stem leaves loosely erect, usually slightly contorted or curved when dry, lanceolate to narrowly lanceolate, 3–4 mm; margins revolute nearly to apex, entire; apex acuminate to narrowly acute; basal laminal cells elongate, walls thick, nodose or wavy; distal cells 7–13 µm, 1-stratose, papillae 1–3 per cell, conic or 2-fid, large. Specialized asexual reproduction absent. Sexual condition gonioautoicous. Seta 1–3 mm. Capsule exserted to rarely emergent, cylindric to ovate-cylindric when mature, 1.5–2.4 mm, slightly 8-ribbed to mid capsule; stomata superficial; peristome double; prostome absent; exostome teeth 8, separate to base, recurved, acute, coarsely papillose; endostome segments 8, well developed, usually present when capsule is old and dry, thick, stout, of 2 rows of cells, narrower than exostome teeth, yellowish brown, coarsely papillose. Calyptra conic-oblong, smooth, hairy, hairs finely papillose. Spores 13–26 µm.
Habitat: Coniferous and deciduous trees, rock
Elevation: low to high elevations (10-2000 m)
Distribution
![V28 99-distribution-map.gif](/w/images/5/5b/V28_99-distribution-map.gif)
Greenland, Alta., B.C., Man., N.B., Nfld. and Labr., N.W.T., N.S., Nunavut, P.E.I., Que., Sask., Yukon, Alaska, Calif., Colo., Idaho, Mich., Minn., Mont., Nev., N.H., N.Y., Oreg., Utah, Wash., Wyo., Europe, n Asia, n Africa.
Discussion
Orthotrichum speciosum is primarily western and Arctic in distribution; the plants are distinguished by their ribbed capsules, large size, and more slender leaf apices.
Selected References
None.