Mosses

Leucolepis acanthoneuron (Schwaegt.) Lindb.

Leucolepis acanthoneuron

Are the organisms above tiny little palm trees, or are they moss? It is easy to see how Leucolpis acanthoneuron acquired its common name: palm tree moss. This is an acrocarpous moss, with brown stems between 4 and 8 cm tall. The leafy shoots radiate from the top of the main stem. A characteristic feature of L. acanthoneuron is the tooth like leaves spirally arranged around the main stem. The relatively enormous sporangium of L. acanthoneuron sits on top of the stem apex of the female plant

Leucolepis acanthoneuron sporophyte

The sample shown in the first picture was collected near the base of a big leaf moss. It is fond of damp, rich soil, and shade.