Status: Native
Synonyms:
None
Schistidium papillosum is distinctive by virtue of its strongly papillose distal laminal cells and hairpoint on the distal leaves. It has a very undifferentiated
costal cross section. The capsule is campanulate and lacks an endostome. When first seen, S. papillosum can be mistaken for a Grimmia. The papillose cells
are obvious under magnification and immediately differentiate it from Grimmia. S. papillosum also bears a resemblance to Orthotrichum diaphanum. S. papillosum however
grows on rock rather than on trees, and the capsule shape and lack of an endostome separate it from Orthotrichum. Also, cells on O. diaphanum are either smooth or
have low papillae, while the papillae on S. papillosum are very obvious especially near the apex and on the margins. Many thanks to Kelly Allred, Louise Lindblom, and Hans
Blom for confirming this ID.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Schistidium papillosum, macro of habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of leaves on distal part of a stem, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of apex of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of capsule, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of portion of peristome, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of cross section of proximal leaf, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
Schistidium papillosum, photomicrograph of cross section of costa, photo Russ Kleinman, Laura Baumann & Karen Blisard, El Malpais National Monument, Big Skylight Cave entrance, November 5, 2016
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