Status: Native
Synonyms:
Brachythecium laetum (Brid.) Schimper
Brachythecium oxycladond (Brid.) A. Jaeger var. dentatum (Lesq. & James) Grout
Chamberlainia oxyclada (Brid.) H. Rob.
Brachythecium oxycladon is a large pleurocarpous moss that is very similar to Brachythecium salebrosum in gross and microscopic appearance. In sterile specimens, the alar cells of B. oxycladon are grayish-opaque and quadrate, while those of B. salebrosum are pelucid (clear) and subquadrate. When present, the capsules of the two species are of different shape with those of B. oxycladon being longer and narrower. B. oxycladon is dioicous, while B. salebrosum is autoicous. Brachythecium oxycladon is found in loose soil on benches above streambeds in the Gila.
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Brachythecium oxycladon, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, San Francisco Mtns., Johnson Canyon, June 19, 2012
Brachythecium oxycladon, 40x photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, San Francisco Mtns., Johnson Canyon, June 19, 2012
Brachythecium oxycladon, 200x photomicrograph of leaf base, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, San Francisco Mtns., Johnson Canyon, June 19, 2012
Brachythecium oxycladon, 400x photomicrograph of leaf apex, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, San Francisco Mtns., Johnson Canyon, June 19, 2012
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