Pleuridium Subulatum Moss
Habit and habitat.-In loose bright-green and silky tufts on earth and clay, along woods, banks and heaths.Name.-The specific name subulatum, from the Latin subula, an awl, refers to the shape of the upper leaves.
Plants (gametophyte).--Minute, 1/10 to 2/10 of an inch high, simple or branching.
Leaves.-The lower distant, short, oval and taper-pointed; the upper longer, more crowded, spreading; apex an awn minutely toothed and rough on the back; vein broad, forming most of the awn.
Habit of flowering.-Male and female flowers close together on the same plant (paroicous); male flowers naked in the axils of the leaves at the base of the spore-case.
Veil (calyptra).-Split on one side.
Spore-case.-Immersed in the leaves at the base, egg-shaped with a tiny point at the apex (apiculate).
Pedicel (seta).-Short, immersed.
Lid (operculum).-None.
Teeth (peristome).-None.
Spores.-Rough, mature from March to June.
Distribution.-Quite universal.