32 



MOSSES WITH A HAND-LENS 



THELIA 



THE Common Thelia {Thelia hirtella (Hedw.) Sulliv.] is 

 very common in the southern and coastwise portion of our 

 range. It grows almost exclusively on the bark of stumps 

 and the bases of trees. It forms thin closely adherent mats, 



easily recognized by their 

 whitish-green color, erect 

 symmetric capsules with 

 whitish peristome, jula- 

 ceous branches, and con- 

 cave suborbicular leaves. 

 The capsules mature in 

 autumn. 



Thelia as pre 1 1 a 

 (Schimp. ) Sulliv. has a 

 range and habitat very 

 similar to that of T. hir- 

 tella, but is even lighter 

 in color; when fresh, 

 light glaucous -green. 

 T. Lescurii Sulliv. is 

 very similar to the above 

 named species but grows in rather dry soil. It is confined to 

 the more southern coast regions; northern limit, Connecticut. 

 It rarely produces capsules, while the other species fruit freely. 



X 20. 



26. Thelia hirtella 



