Labels for Common Mosses 



503 



BRISTLE-POINTED HAIR MOSS {Polytrichum piliferum). 



One of the heath mosses, forming loose green tufts on 

 heaths and similar waste ground. Readily known by its 

 large, thick, lance-shaped leaves, sheathing at the base, and 

 terminated by a white, hair-like, toothed point. Capsules 

 large, four-angled. Fringe of sixty-four teeth. The calyptra 

 (hood) is large, covering the whole capsule, and is clothed 

 with a dense felt of shaggy hairs. Common. (Polytrichacea .) 



PURPLE FRUIT HEATH MOSS (Ceratodon purpureas). 



Forming large reddish-purple patches on heathy waysides, 

 the colour arising from the purple fruit and fruit-stalk at 

 maturity. Leaves lance-shaped, with reflexed entire margins 

 keeled on the back. Capsule oval, slightly curved, furrowed 

 when dry. The fringe of sixteen teeth, united by transverse 

 bars, forms a beautiful object for the microscope. Miiller 

 says of this species : " It is the greatest cosmopolite of all the 

 mosses, inhabiting every region of the earth, created, as it 

 were, to worry the bryologist." (Dicranacecs.) 



CYPRUS-LEAYED FEATHER MOSS (Hypnum cupresiforme). 



Widely distributed, especially abundant on heathy moors, 

 where it forms vivid green patches. The foliage somewhat 

 shining. It is very variable, sometimes prostrate, sometimes 

 erect, but may be easily determined by microscopic examina- 

 tion of the leaves, which are nerveless or very faintly two- 

 nerved, with very narrow elongate leaf-cells. The cells at the 

 marginal base are always quadrate and opaque. (Hypnacea.) 



WHITE FORK MOSS (Leucobryum glaucum). 

 Very distinctive, growing in dense tufted masses on damp 

 heaths. Tufts white, often large, with the appearance of bog- 

 moss. Stem 2 to 4 inches long. Leaves very spongy and 

 elastic. Fruiting (but rarely) in spring. <£ The young male 

 plants nestle in a mass of fibres produced from the upper 

 leaves of the abortive female flowers, and are ultimately 

 developed into a little branchlet." (Dicranacece.) 



