Eight Toothed White Moss
The Eight-toothed White Moss, Octoblepharum albidum, Hedw.Habit and habitat.-In small white cushions on bark and on shady rocks.
Name.-The specific name albidum, white, refers to the colour of the leaves.
Plant (gametophyte).-Spongy, soft when wet, brittle and white when dry.
Leaves.-Close, thick, composed, except on the borders, of two or three superimposed layers of large porous cells without leaf-green, these separated by a layer of simple, narrow cells containing leaf-green.
Veil (calyptra).-Large, split on one side.
Spore-case. -Erect.
Pedicel (seta).-Short.
Lid (operculum).-Plane at the base with an oblique and awl-shaped beak.
Teeth (peristome).-Eight, short, broadly lance-shaped, paleyellow and transparent.
Spores.-Mature in spring.
Distribution.-Common in the warmer parts of the world except Europe.