Ovate Pterygoneurum moss

Description:

Pterygoneurum ovatum. Another common name is Oval-leaved Pottia.The second of two plants on an otherwise barren quartz outcrop expanse somehow surviving despite a southwestern exposure (unusual for moss, and difficult for most species). As the plants become dessicated as here, the leaves become very dark and almost black and difficult to see because of the long white awns.The calyptras are usually cucullate but can also be mitrate. The capsules are eperistomate as shown.March 10, 2012, Mt. Olympus foothills, Salt Lake County, Utah about 4,960 ft. elev.