Identification notes
This plant is easily recognised as a member of the Plagiotheciaceae, having flattened shoots and a short, double nerve. It is one of the more robust Plagiothecium species and has wide cells that can be just about seen with a x 20 hand lens and symmetrical leaves. It is typically a plant of acid or neutral humus rich banks in woodland or decaying tree stumps. The shoots are often a golden green colour, with the leaves rather wrinkled when dry.
The difficulty is in telling it apart from P.nemorale, particularly in the field. This is a similar plant that grows in similar places, and some authorities maintain that they are not distinct. The current practice in Britain and Ireland to consider them as different species, based mainly on cell size and arrangement.
Typically, P.succulentum the mid leaf cells are 6-10 times as long as wide, with the ends of the cells not arranged in the regular fashion of P.nemorale. With experience it is possible to say that the cells are not tiered as in P.nemorale, but even under the microscope it may not be possible to decide between these two species. P.succulentum usually has an entire leaf apex, but a few apical teeth may suggest P.nemorale.
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