HYPNACEAE 211 



Stcrcodon rcptilis (p. 233). It is less frequent than 

 either of these two mosses and has smaller leaves and 

 shorter capsules. The stems are slender like Amhly- 

 stcgium serpens, and less regularly branched than in 

 Stereodon repliUs. When moist plants are held to the 

 light, the leaves of Amhlystegiiim, and at least the tips 

 of the leaves of Stereodon, can be seen sticking out 

 around the branches, while in Ilomomallium the 

 leaves fold so closely that they can hardly be seen, and 

 the branches look smooth and cylindrical. 



61. HYGROAMBLYSTEGIUM Loesk. 



(Hy-gro-am-bly-ste-gi-um) 



A genus containing several species, occurring in 

 temperate or cooler regions, only two of which are 

 included below. Name derived from the Greek for 

 "wet" and Amblyslegium, referring to the Ambly- 

 stegiums that grow in wet places. 



Plants growing in mats or tufts on rocks or earth in wet 

 places, especially in and along streams; dark or olivc-grecn, 

 the new shoots bright green in spring; fairly common, but 

 not always fruiting. 



Stems prostrate, long; the lower part leafless; irregularly 

 branched; branches straight, erect, or parallel; rather harsh 

 to the touch when dry. 



Leaves straight, fine; large enough to be seen; erect or 

 spreading when moist; more folded when dry; bright green 

 when young, becoming dark or olive-green. 



Seta H-i inch long; reddish. 



