Pseudephemerum Moss

Description

The stems of P. nitidum are usually no higher than 5 mm and have narrow, gradually tapering mid-green leaves which increase gradually in length from stem base (about 1 mm) to tip (about 2 mm). The nerve is inconspicuous and does not extend as far as the leaf tip. Vegetative plants are therefore both inconspicuous and featureless, but fortunately the plant is abundantly fertile and its fruits develop very rapidly. The capsules are borne on a very short seta and are overtopped by the leaves that surround the base of the sporophyte; the capsules are rather longer than wide, do not have a lid, and eventually fall away from the stem. Senescent plants can develop an orange-brown colour.