Family FUNARIACEAE 



A FAMILY containing several genera, two of which are 

 common in our range. 



24. PHYSCOMITRIUM (Brid.) Furnr. 

 (Phys-co-mi-tri-um) 



A genus containing many species, only one of which 

 is common. Name derived from the Greek for a '' blad- 

 der " and a " cap," referring to the calyptra. 



Physcomitrium turbinatum (Michx.) Brid., given as 

 P. pyriforme by some authors, is found on damp soil 

 in fields and gardens and along roadsides; 

 common; fruit abundant. 



Plants growing close together or somewhat 

 scattered; light green. 

 Stems erect; very short, less than ^ inch, 

 Physcomitrium often Only /^ inch long. 



ur ma urn Leaves broad and flat; spreading when moist ; 



^ukenkrgeT ^ little Crisped when dry; light green. 



Seta usually not much more than % inch 

 high; yellowish in spring, becoming reddish-brown with age. 

 Capsule erect, urn-shaped; light colored in spring, becom- 

 ing darker; mature in May or June. 

 Operculum cone-shaped. 

 Range, Quebec to Florida, west to the Rocky Mountains. 



