Status: Native
Synonyms:
Grimmia apocarpa Hedw. var. ambigua (Sull.) G. Jones
Schistidium apocarpum (Hedw.) Bruch & Schimp. var. ambiguum (Sull.) G. Jones
Schistidium ambiguum may be difficult to recognize at first, because it resembles other similar mosses found in the
Gila and elsewhere in New Mexico. It is more spreading and less clumpy in appearance than Grimmia longirostris.
It is also greener than G. longirostris, because only the perichaetial
leaves of S. ambiguum have long awns, while the upper leaves of even sterile stems of G. longirostris have long awns and give
it a grayer appearance. The long perichaetial awns help differentiate it from Schistidium rivulare. S. rivulare is found in or along streambeds, while
S. ambiguum prefers drier, more open habitats in the mixed conifer forest. S. ambiguum is usually found reproductive, with
immersed capsules. Like other species of Schistidium, the columella falls with the operculum. The calyptra, if present,
is cucullate and not mitrate. We found Schistidium ambiguum at middle elevation in the mixed conifer forest with the help
of John Brinda and Kelly Allred. Thanks to both for their help and for confirming the ID.
Please click on an image for a larger file.
Schistidium ambiguum, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, closeup of dry habit, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, macro of dry habit, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 40x photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, photomicrograph of perichaetial leaves and sporophyte, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 100x photomicrograph of cells at leaf base, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 200x photomicrograph of cells at leaf base, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 200x photomicrograph of leaf apex, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 40x photomicrograph of operculum with attached columella, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 40x photomicrograph of capsule, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium rivulare, 100x photomicrograph of exothecial cells of capsule, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 600x photomicrograph of peristome teeth, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 600x photomicrograph of stem with central strand, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 200x photomicrograph of leaf cross section, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
Schistidium ambiguum, 600x photomicrograph of cross section of costa, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, Pinos Altos Range, Cherry Creek Campground, April 20, 2016
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