Rauiella praelonga

Stems 2–3(–6) cm, branches to 1 cm, usually shorter; paraphyllia usually unbranched. Stem leaves spreading to wide-spreading when moist, broadly ovate; margins usually recurved proximally, plane in acumen, rarely erect; apex abruptly acuminate; laminal cells 5–6 µm wide, papillae 3–5. Branch leaves erect when dry, spreading to wide-spreading when moist, 0.4 mm; apex gradually broadly acuminate; costa pellucid proximally; laminal cells 5–6 µm wide, papillae 4–6; apical cell pointed, smooth. Perichaetial leaves 2.5 mm. Seta 1–1.5 cm. Capsule with operculum stoutly apiculate; endostome segments not or narrowly perforate, cilia in groups of 1 or 2. Spores 17 µm, finely papillose.

Phenology: Capsule maturity unknown.
Habitat: Dead branches, rock
Elevation: moderate elevations

Ariz., Mexico, West Indies, Central America, South America, e, s Africa.

Discussion

Rauiella praelonga, occurring only rarely in the southwestern part of the flora area, differs from R. scita by the shorter acumen of the stem leaves and the smooth apical cell of the branch leaves. The species probably grows in mostly exposed habitats.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa