MOSSES WITH A HAND-I I \N 



53 



*NECKERA 



NECKERA is found almost exclusively on the trunks of de- 

 ciduous trees in cool moist woods, rarely on ledges or 

 cliffs in similar situations. Neckera rarely grows near 

 the base of a tree, nearly always growing well above that por- 



Fig. 43. Neckera pennata ■ 1 % leaves X io ; capsules, with and without 

 pericluctial leaves X 10. 



tion of the trunk occupied by Anomodon or Leskea, and extend- 

 ing upwards to a height of from twenty-five to fifty feet, accord- 

 ing to the size of the trees and the density of the wood. Neckera 

 is clearly characterized by its flattened branches, having wavy 

 leaves, and its immersed capsules pendent from the lower side of 

 the branches. The branches usually extend out from the tree 

 trunk at an angle of from 45 to 75 degrees. The capsules are 

 produced on the older portions of the plant, often in great num- 

 bers. They mature in summer. 



♦The only species likely to be met with in our range is X . pennata (L.) 

 Hedw. 



