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The Little Fork-mosses

Genus DICRANELLA, Schimp.

The species of this genus are generally small with slightly branching stems. The leaves are very long and narrow from a broader often clasping base and are never curled, but spread on all sides or turn in one direction. Usually they are smooth with the margins plane and the vein broad.

The spore-cases are erect or inclined, symmetrical or unequal on yellow or red pedicels. They have lids with long awl-like points.

The peristome consists of sixteen large teeth, two-cleft to about the middle, closely cross-barred and marked with fine parallel bars running lengthwise.

There are one hundred and twelve species in all, thirty-two known in North America.

The generic name Dicranella, is the diminutive of Dicranum, from a fork.

Dicranella heteromalla, Schimp.

Habit and habitat.--Forming silky, green tufts of moderate size on rocks, clay banks, naked soil and roots of trees.

Name.--The specific name heteromalla is derived from the Greek having hair only on one side, referring to the habit the leaves have of turning to one side.

Plants (gametophyte).--Stems simple or forking, 1/2 to 2 inches high.

Leaves.--Glossy, crowded, turned to one side, lance-shaped from the base; apex slender, awl-shaped, toothed or entire.

Leaves at the base of the pedicel (perichoetial leaves).--Abruptly and narrowly awl-shaped from a half-clasping base.

Habit of flowering.--Male and female flowers on separate plants (dioicous).

Veil (calyptra).--Split up one side.

Spore-case.--Egg-shaped or oblong with the summit inclined. The base tapers to form a short neck (collum) and is slightly constricted under the mouth. Plaited when dry.

Pedicel.--Slender and pale yellow, 1/2 to 1 inch long.

Lid (operculum).--Long-beaked.

Teeth (peristome).--Showy, red, two- or three-forked to the middle.

Annulus.--Simple, very narrow.

Spores.--Mature from November to February.

Distribution.--North America, Europe and Asia.