Lesser smoothcap  (Atrichum angustatum)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Lesser smoothcap is a dull-green moss that forms patches of single, unbranched and upright shoots that have narrow leaves with toothed edges (3). The leaves curl up when the moss becomes dry (3). Mosses are broadly divided into two main types, called 'acrocarpous' and 'pleurocarpous' mosses. This species is an 'acrocarpous' moss (3); these mosses tend to have erect shoots that have limited growth, and terminate in male and/or female sexual structures. Side branches allow further growth to occur (4). Close examination allows this species to be distinguished from the other members of the genus Atrichum, as it has smaller spores and cells (3)

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