Bryum intermedium

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Identification notes

Infertile material cannot be identified with certainty as the leaves are very similar to closely related species, although they do have particularly strongly recurved/revolute margins. The nerve is excurrent, often with some small teeth, and there is reddish pigment in the cell walls and nerve towards the base. This isn’t shown in the young leaves at the shoot tip so it is necessary to examine them from further down the stem.

Fortunately, it fruits frequently and has the very characteristic property of the capsules developing over a long period in succession, so they vary considerably in shape, size and colour. None of our other Bryums do this. The capsules are slightly asymmetric with a small slightly oblique lid, but this is quite subtle. It is worth checking the the infloresences are synoicous by dissecting one out. Usually at least one empty antheridium can be found at the base of the seta. The peristome cilia are nodulose or weakly appendiculate.

This uncommon moss is generally found on open, disturbed. base rich friable substrates in places such as old limestone quarries, chalk pits, rocck ledges, calcareous dunes and the edges of dune slacks. Many of the records are coastal.

 

Distribution in Great Britain and Ireland

Mainly a lowland species with records from scattered localities in suitable habitats, but often not persistent.

View distribution from the BBS Atlas 2014

Resources you may find useful

Holyoak, D. 2021. European Bryaceae.

David Holyoak’s book contains keys, detailed morphological, ecological and taxonomic descriptions and diagrams showing key features – and is highly recommended for anyone wishing to get to know Bryum species.

The Bryophyte identification page under Resources contains additional information on the genus Bryum, including an early version of the keys now published in David Holyoak’s book.

Bryophyte identification resources

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