Leptolejeunea elliptica (Lehm. & Lindenb.) Schiffn.
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Authority
Gradstein, S. Robbert & Ilkiu-Borges, Anna L. 2009. Guide to the plants of Central French Guiana. Part 4. Liverworts and hornworts. Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 76 (4): i-iv + 1-140.
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Family
Lejeuneaceae
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Scientific Name
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Description
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Species Description - Plants 0.5-1 mm wide, with a strong smell of anise. Leaf lobes symmetrical or asymmetrical, elliptical, ca. 2 times as long as wide, standing away from substrate, apex rounded or obtuse, margins entire or slightly crenulate. Cells in midlobe slightly elongate, 20-35 x 15-25 µm, thin-walled, trigones small or lacking, intermediate thick-enings 1-2 per wall; ocelli 3-4, large, in a row, colorless or yellowish, basal ocellus 2-3 times longer than adjacent cells, separated from next ocellus by (1)3-4 cells, smaller additional ocelli lacking. Lobules ca. 1/3 of leaf length, frequently reduced, plane, or inflated and flattened above. Underleaf lobes 2-3 cells long, 1 cell wide at base. Autoicous or dioicous.
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Discussion
The characteristic fragrance of Leptolejeunea elliptica is due to the aromatic ether p-ethylanisol, which is unique to this species (Asakawa, 1995).