Plants of the Gila Wilderness
Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department
of Natural Sciences
Pylaisia polyantha (Hedwig) Schimper
Family: Pylaisiaceae (formerly Hypnaceae)
Status: Native
Synonyms:
Pylaisiella polyantha (Hedwig) Grout
Leskea polyantha Hedwig
Pylaisia polyantha has leaves that look much like those of Homomallium mexicanum. The leaves of P. polyantha have
longer laminal cells and fewer alar cells than H. mexicanum. In addition, and easiest to note in the field, the capsules
of P. polyantha are erect while those of H. mexicanum are nodding. The endostome of P. selwynii is adherent to
the exostome, while it is free in P. polyantha.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Pylaisia polyantha, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, March 29, 2010
Pylaisia polyantha, sporophyte with calyptra, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, March 29, 2010
Pylaisia polyantha, growth habit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., CF Canyon, March 29, 2010
Pylaisia polyantha, photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Iowa, Clayton County,
Bixby State Park, 1 mi N of Edgewood, on rotten tree trunk, May 30, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen
Blisard, June 18, 2023
Pylaisia polyantha, photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Iowa, Clayton County,
Bixby State Park, 1 mi N of Edgewood, on rotten tree trunk, May 30, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen
Blisard, June 18, 2023
Pylaisia polyantha, photomicrograph of leaf apex, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Iowa, Clayton County,
Bixby State Park, 1 mi N of Edgewood, on rotten tree trunk, May 30, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen
Blisard, June 18, 2023
Pylaisia polyantha, photomicrograph of leaf base, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Iowa, Clayton County,
Bixby State Park, 1 mi N of Edgewood, on rotten tree trunk, May 30, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen
Blisard, June 18, 2023
Pylaisia polyantha, photomicrograph of cells at midleaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Iowa, Clayton County,
Bixby State Park, 1 mi N of Edgewood, on rotten tree trunk, May 30, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen
Blisard, June 18, 2023
Pylaisia polyantha, photomicrograph of peristome with endostome segments free from exostome, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Iowa, Clayton County, Bixby State Park, 1 mi N of Edgewood, on rotten tree trunk, May 30, 2011; photos by Russ Kleinman & Karen
Blisard, June 18, 2023
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