Sematophyllum subsimplex (Hedw.) Mitt.

  • 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

    Sematophyllaceae

  • Scientific Name

    Sematophyllum subsimplex (Hedw.) Mitt.

  • Description

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    Species Description - Plants slender, in pale, yellowish- to grayish-green, somewhat shiny, thin mats. Stems conspicuously dark-red, ± pinnate-branched; branches wide-spreading, horizontal, complanate-foliate. Stem leaves remote, erect-spreading, 0.6-1.3 mm long, concave, ovate, slenderly acuminate; margins plane to recurved, entire or sermlate above; upper cells linear to linear-flexuose, 10-20:1; basal cells brownish to yellowish across the insertion; alar cells enlarged and inflated. Branch leaves similar but smaller (0.8-1.5 mm long), ovate-lanceolate. Setae 10-20 mm long; capsules horizontal to nodding, asymmetric, ovoid, 0.8-1.5 mm long; endostome segments perforate and cilia 1-2, shorter than the segments. Spores 14-24 µm, papillose.

  • Discussion

    Fig. 741

    S. subsimplex (Hedw.) Mitt., J. Linn. Soc, Bot. 12: 494. 1869.

    Hypnum subsimplex Hedw., Sp. Muse. 270. 1801.

    Plagiothecium subsimplex (Hedw.) Besch., Mem. Soc. Sci. Nat. Cherbourg 16: 251. 1872.

    Rhaphidostegiumsubsimplex (Hedw.) Besch., Ann. Sci. Nat. Bot. VI, 3: 254. 1876.

    Rhaphidorrhynchium subsimplex (Hedw.) Broth, in E. & P., Nat. Pfl. ed. 2, 11:426. 1925.

    The pale, erect-spreading leaves and conspicuously darkred, pinnate stems are characteristic of this species. The aspect is quite unlike that of other Sematophyllums.

  • Distribution

    On decaying logs at low elevations; Chiapas, Nayarit, Oaxaca, Veracruz.—Mexico to northern South America; West Indies.

    Mexico North America| Central America| Brazil South America| Colombia South America| French Guiana South America| Ecuador South America| Guyana South America| Peru South America| Suriname South America| Venezuela South America| West Indies|