Ptychostomum pallescens (Schleich. ex Schwägr.) J.R. Spence

* Ptychostomum pallescens (Schleich. ex Schwägr.) J.R. Spence [ Bryaceae ]

Description and iconography

Ochyra et al. (2008).

Distribution and habitat

A bipolar species, with some intermediate occurrences, it can be found in dry or wet areas, sheltered or open sites, on clayey, sandy or rocky soil, gravel, humus or in rock crevices ( Ochyra et al. 2008). In the study area, representatives of P. pallescens were found growing on soil in exposed sites. This species is found only in the coastal region of the island, growing alone or with other bryophytes.

Comments

This species, despite usually being sterile in Antarctica, is distinguished from its congeners by the twisting of its leaves into a spiral when dry. In addition, it has oblong lanceolate leaves with an excurrent costa on a long hair; and lamina cells are small rhomboid to oblong rhomboid cells, generally less than three times as long as they are wide ( Ochyra et al. 2008).

* Ptychostomum pallescens (Schleich. ex Schwägr.) J.R. Spence [ Bryaceae ]

Examined material: Antarctica, Marambio Island, Streamlet La Tradición (64° 13 ′ 45.04 ′′ S; 56°38 ′ 58.84 ′′ W; 7 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected soil, 19.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5704 About BCRU ) GoogleMaps ; ibid., east coast, stream prior to La Pingüinera area (64°17 ′ 20.90 ′′ S; 56°41 ′ 27.74 ′′ W; 5 m. a.s.l.), on unprotected soil, 21.1.2022, A. C. Cottet ( BCRU 5725 About BCRU ) GoogleMaps .