Fossombronia longiseta

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Distinguishing Features

Often obscured by other bryophytes and small grasses on seeping open soils or protected under south-facing rock overhangs, this translucent and frilly green occasional liverwort forms lettuce-like patches (~3-10 mm wide) of sinuous and continuous leaves. Functionally annuals, plants of F. longiseta are so named for the short-lived but tall (up to 3cm), sprout-like sporophyte that emerges in spring. Microscopic examination of the spores are required for identification.

Similar species

Can only be distinguished from F. foveolata based on microscopic spore characters.

Habitat

Seasonally moist mineral soil, rock outcrops, cliffs, crevices, and shorelines in the lowland zone; infrequent in southwest BC, rare elsewhere in coastal BC.

Associated species

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Distribution Map

Relevant Literature

• Godfrey, J.D. (1977). Hepaticae and Anthocerotae of southwestern British Columbia . [Doctoral dissertation, University of British Columbia]. UBC cIRcle.
• Hong, W. S. (2007). Scapania. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (Eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico (Vol. 3) . Oxford University Press.
• Wagner, D. H. (2013). Guide to the liverworts of Oregon: Scapania undulata . Oregon State University Herbarium.