Family NECKERACEAE 



A FAMILY containing many genera, three of which 

 occur in the eastern United States. 



47. NECKERA Hedw. (Neck-er-a) 



A very large genus, one species of which is common 

 and found in most temperate regions of the world. 

 Named after Necker, an eighteenth- 

 century botanist and bryologist. 



Plants growing in large loose patches 

 on trees in moist, cool woods, light or yel- 

 lowish-green; common; fruit abundant. 



Primary stems creeping; secondary 

 stems erect, horizontal or drooping, irregu- 

 larly pinnate or only slightly branched, 

 usually flattened, and broad. 



Leaves straight, easily seen, lying flat, 

 apparently on two opposite sides of the 

 stems and branches, more or less trans- 

 versely undulate or wavy, not changed 

 when dry; light or yellowish-green. 



Seta concealed by leaves. 



Capsule long-cylindrical, usually partly wrapped in 

 leaves, erect, sometimes on llic underside of the stems; 

 yellowish-brown with an orange band around the mouth; 

 mature in autumn. 



Operculum cone-shaped. 



Ncckcra pcnnata 



Leaf and capsule 

 enlarged. 



