Leskea australis
A. J. Grout, Moss Fl. N. Amer. 3: 193. 1934.
Plants dark green or brown. Stems with branches ascending, ± tightly foliate, not curved at apices. Stem and branch leaves slightly differentiated. Stem leaves distinctly longer than broad, 0.4–0.7 mm; apex slenderly acuminate. Branch leaves ± crowded, ovate-lanceolate, not or slightly 2-plicate when dry, 0.2–0.5 mm; margins plane; apex gradually acuminate to acute, often blunt; costa subpercurrent; distal laminal cells 4–7 µm, bulging-papillose abaxially. Seta yellow-brown, 0.4–0.9 cm. Capsule yellow-brown, cylindric, straight, 1.2–1.8 mm; annulus 1- or 2-seriate; operculum conic, short-rostrate; exostome teeth whitish; endostome segments very short, irregular. Spores 9–13 µm, very finely papillose.
Phenology: Capsules mature year-round.
Habitat: Lower trunks and base of hardwood trees and bald cypress, logs, low woods along rivers, streams, sloughs, swamps
Elevation: low to moderate elevations (0-400 m)
Distribution
![V28 544-distribution-map.gif](/w/images/9/92/V28_544-distribution-map.gif)
Ala., Ark., Del., Fla., Ga., La., Miss., Mo., N.C., Tenn., Tex.
Discussion
Leskea australis is common on the coastal plain of the southeastern United States. This species is distinguished by the rigid, dark green or brownish mats with ascending, terete-foliate, and somewhat tapering branches and small leaves. The branch leaf abaxial costa surface is slightly roughened, especially proximally.
Selected References
None.