Identification notes

This very slender hyperoceanic species creeps about in thin patches on rocks and trees in constantly humid situations, for example near waterfalls in ravines.

Like other tiny Lejeuneaceae, it’s very easy to miss unless there is lots of it, and it’s also easy to mistake it for the much commoner Microlejeunea ulicina, which can be found in the same habitats. Tell-tale jizz characters visible with a hand-lens include well spaced out leaves and a narrowing of the leaf at its base. Under the microscope, check shoot tips for its unusual-looking spherical multicellular gemmae – they are usually present.

Distribution in Great Britain and Ireland

This species may be spreading into new areas. It has recently (2024) been found in both Devon and Cornwall for the first time.