Mosses of Central Florida 52. Gemmabryum apiculatum

Gemmabrum apiculatum forms thick cushions, with well-spaced leaves on
the shoots.

Gemmabryum apiculatum (Schwagrichen) J. R. Spence & H. P. Ramsay (Bryaceae) forms colonies of tiny, upright leafy shoots on damp soil in shady areas.  Leaves are long-ovate, well-spaced along the stems, and mostly 1 mm or more in length. Leaf cells are narrower than in related species, 6 to 8 times longer than wide, and become square toward the base.

The species characteristically forms tiny reproductive tubers or bulbils along the rhizoids in the soil or in the axils of the leaves. Bulbils are brown, pear-shaped, and 40-80 µm long. I have not yet seen spore capsules in our area.

Brown, pear-shaped bulbils in the leaf axils are characteristic of
Gemmabryum apiculatum. Photo by Ainun Nadhifah

Gemmabryum apiculatum is probably to be found throughout the state, as it is found  in coastal regions of other southeastern states, though our documented specimens are from central Florida southward. It is also found widely in the tropics. 
G. coronatum has a similar distribution, with some reports from the north.  The leaves tend to be rolled at the margins, and the leave cells are shorter, 3-4 times as long as wide.
A third species, G. exile, has been reported only from Collier County, but is easily recognized by its stringy stems and small, folded leaves.

The leaf of Gemmabryum apiculatum features a strong
 midrib, and elongate cells that become squarish toward the base,
Photo by Ainun Nadhifah

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