Rhachithecium perpusillum
in H. G. A. Engler and K. Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 234/235[I,3]: 1199. 1909,.
Plants rarely to 4 mm. Stems typically unbranched. Leaves acute, to 1 × 0.3 mm, margin entire to crenulate; proximal cells to 45 × 12 µm; medial and distal cells quadrate to hexagonal, somewhat bulging, 15–25 µm wide, marginal cells often smaller, 6–12 µm; costa between 2/3 and 3/4 of leaf length. Specialized asexual reproduction by gemmae, cylindrical to slightly club-shaped, 1–2-seriate, to 160 µm, borne near the base of the leaf. Sexual condition autoicous. Sporophytes absent in range of the flora.
Habitat: Dry or as on bark of deciduous trees, primarily elm
Elevation: moderate elevations
Distribution
N.C., Tenn., W.Va., Mexico, South America (Argentina, Brazil), Asia (China, India, Sri Lanka), Indian Ocean Islands (Madagascar).
Discussion
A single population from North Carolina (Davidson, L. E. Anderson 7818, DUKE) was found to produce gametangia. The perichatium is apical and the perigonium terminates a short, subapical branch. Despite the presence of sex organs, no evidence of sexual reproduction has been found. Perichaetial leaves are not differentiated in this specimen, which may suggest that the differentiation (i.e., longer leaves) occurs following sexual reproduction. The species has only been collected once in recent years (Tennessee, J. A. Churchill 89025, 1989, DUKE). Most collections were made on elm, which has been much decimated in eastern North America. The species is distinguished by its small stature, crisped leaves when dry, thin-walled smooth cells, and abundant laminal gemmae.
Selected References
None.