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Dumortiera hirsuta

This rather rare oceanic liverwort was seen on the banks of the Claggain river during the recent Summer meeting on Islay. It is large and differs from other thallose liverworts also found in this habitat by having no air pores on its surface, and having bristly hairs along the thallus margins - so there should be no problem identifying it if you are lucky enough to see it!

Grimmia anomala

The common name for this moss is Yellow-bud Grimmia, presumably because of the yellowish clusters of gemmae on many of the shoot tips (which you might be able to make out on the left side of this cushion). This photo was taken during the Ben Lawers meeting in autumn 2023, on a loch-side boulder at Coire nan Cat - a typical habitat for this species.

First records of British and Irish bryophytes, 1538–2021

Supplementary data for the 2 papers by Mark Hill and Chris Preston recently published online in Journal of Bryology 46(2).

Mylia taylorii

This beautiful close-up of a shoot of Mylia taylorii, taken by Wouter van Landuyt from a specimen collected on Islay, shows the recurved leaves and large cells beautifully. To say that I'm envious of the microscope Wouter used to take this photo would be an understatement!

Botanical contributions to Local Nature Recovery Strategy

Firs Botanical Grounds Moss House project, Manchester

Do you live in the Manchester area, with a bit of time to spare and/or an interest in growing bryophytes? Or perhaps you have experience with growing bryophytes in cultivation and would be willing to share your knowledge? Read on for an interesting opportuntity… Nicholas Pearson has been in touch with the BBS. As part […]

Moerckia flotoviana

Spotted by David Long on the recent BBS summer meeting on Islay. This specimen is growing with a confusing mixture of other liverworts, including Aneura pinguis, a Riccardia and a Jungermannia (at least!). These are female plants, with young, frilly-looking perianths.

Marchantia quadrata

Previously known as Preissia quadrata, or Narrow Mushroom-headed Liverwort. This image shows immature female receptacles, each of which can have up to 8 sporophytes which develop inside a protective involucre. This specimen was growing in crevices in a wall at Visegrád Castle near Budapest in Hungary.

Entosthodon hungaricus

One of the many beautiful bryophytes seen on the recent meeting in Hungary. This species was growing in saline grassland at Apaj, and was obviously very happy. Thank you to Peter Erzberger for arranging the meeting, and shepherding our group of around 20 errant bryologists around some of the most interesting sites in the region of Budapest without losing anyone (or his temper)!