Riccia nigrella
| Common Name | Black Crystalwort |
Image Gallery
Distinguishing Features
The relatively narrow thallus segments of R. nigrella are the first indication that this is not like other regional species of Riccia. The clincher requires inspecion of the edges of the thallus, which are black. When the thallus dries out, these black margins fold over, hiding much of the green upper surface of the thallus and leaving the soil marked with black, dichotomizing glyphs.
Similar species
The black margins of R. nigrella distinguish it from all other Riccia in the Pacific Northwest. Riccia campbelliana can have purple scales along the margin, but the upper surface of the thallus in that species is fringed orange, while in R. nigrella, it is green throughout.
Habitat
Associated species
Gemmabryum barnesii, Pottia truncata, Riccia beyrichiana, Riccia trichocarpa (Riccia crinita), Riccia cavernosa, Pleuridium acuminatum, Philonotis fontana
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.