Family AULACOMNIACEAE 



A FAMILY containing only two genera, one of which is 

 common and widely distributed. 



31. AULACOMNIUM Schwaegr. 

 (Au-la-c6-mni-um) 



A small genus, two species of which occur in our 

 range. Name derived from the Greek for *' furrowed " 

 and ^' moss," referring to the grooved capsule. 



The two common species of Aulacomnium are unlike 

 in growth and habitat and without microscopic exam- 

 ination resemble each other only in the capsule. 



a. Leaves short and broad . . . . A. heterostichum. 



b. Leaves long and narrow . . . . A. palustre. 



Aulacomnium heterostichum (Hedw.) Br}^ol. Eur. 

 is occasionally found on moist banks and at the base of 

 trees in the woods. The fruit is not uncommon. 



Plants growing close together, often forming a somewhat 

 flattened mat; yellowish-grecji above, olive-green or brown 

 below. 



Stems prostrate or ascending; branched by the terminal 

 annual growth; the lower part covered with brown radicles 

 (tomentum). 



