Ulota crispa
Observation - Ulota crispa - UK and Ireland. Description: This epiphytic moss is now part of an aggregate including U. intermedia and U. crispula. all of whic
This epiphytic moss is now part of an aggregate including U. intermedia and U. crispula. all of which look very similar macroscopically. These species can only reliably be distinguished by the cellular structure of the capsules of their sporophytes, though one may get a feel for the different species in the field over time. The capsule of U. crispa often has a flared mouth (pic 1) with the capsule being relatively long and narrow when dry (moist capsules of Ulota spp. all look very similar). Under the microscope, one of the main features of this taxon are the pale regions at the sides of the middle of each of the 8 outer peristome teeth (arrowed). These are not always clear, however, and sometimes one has to consider the structure of the cells on the capsule wall, something I have discussed in some other Ulota observations on this site.