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Fruiting Portion (sporophyte)

The most striking part of the plant (Gametophyte) is the fruiting portion (sporophyte) with its parts. The spore-case is a thin-walled cylindrical box with four or six sharp edges running lengthwise. The spore-case is borne on a flexible pedicel (seta), the two together resembling a tiny Turkish pipe. In certain stages of this moss the spore-case is entirely covered with a conical light-brown, hairy veil fringed about the base. When this veil falls, the case is tightly shut by a round lid, resembling in some species a tiny Tam-o-Shanter, and in others a tiny dunce-cap.

The lid has a point in the centre and its edges fit closely about the rim of the spore-case.

When the lid is thrown off, sixty-four blunt teeth are seen to border the rim of the case. They are bent inward, and bear at their extremities a thin membranous disk (epiphragm) which now closes the case.

Within the spore-case are myriads of green, dust-like spores, which, when scattered by the wind, will grow into new plants, if they fall in favourable places.