Identification notes
This common ephemeral acrocarp is easy enough to identify as one of the Funariaceae (large, lax thin-walled leaf cells visible with a hand-lens, pyriform capsules and a large, conical calyptra), but attempting identification to species without capsules is not advised!
With its erect capsules on a tall seta confusion is most likely with Entosthodon species, some of which e.g. E. fascicularis share the same habitats. There is a short window of opportunity for certain identification, when the capsules are close to maturity. Look at the calyptra (if present). If it is mitriforme (shaped like a bishop’s hat and entire) it is Physcomitrium. If it is cucullate (shaped like a cone and split up one side) it is likely to be Entosthodon. If the calyptra has fallen, the capsule lid is useful – P. pyriforme has a convex lid with a short beak whereas similar-looking Entosthodon species merely have a domed lid.
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