Macrodiplophyllum flaccidum

Macrodiplophyllum flaccidum
Phylum: Marchantiophyta
Family: Scapaniaceae
Common NameFlaccid Earwort
FrequencyRare
© John Reynolds
iNaturalist
© John Reynolds
iNaturalist
© Randal Mindell
iNaturalist
© Dan Tucker
iNaturalist
© John Reynolds
iNaturalist
© Braden Judson
iNaturalist

Distinguishing Features

An infrequent species of uncommonly moist low-elevation microhabitats (waterfalls, deep canyons), M. flaccidum is marked by elongate, toothed lobes and a glossy palour. The outermost half of the lower lobes are characteristically held at nearly 90 degrees from the stem and are often parallel to the upper lobes. Teeth are well developed along the lobe apices and the plant, when dried, is strongly contorted.

Similar species

While similairly toothed to M. rubrum, M. flaccidum lacks its red pigmentation. M. imbricatum is a higher elevation species with smooth leaf lobes that have a rounded aspect. M. plicatum occurs in similar habitats, but in that species the lower lobes are held at 70 degrees to the stem, whereas in M. flaccidum they are held at 90 degrees to the stem.

Habitat

Moist to wet mineral soil, rock outcrops, boulders, cliffs, and cutbanks in the lowland zone; frequent in coastal BC.

Associated species

Distribution Map

Relevant Literature