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The Quartette Moss

Genus TETRAPLODON, Bruch & Schimp.

The plants of the Genus Tetraplodon are perennial, growing in densely crowded cushions. They closely resemble the plants of the genus Splachnum, but differ principally in that the enlarged part (apophysis) of the pedicel under the spore-case is not inflated and is of the same colour and consistency as the spore-case. The plants are peculiar in their choice of habitat, being invariably found on animal substances. Tetraplodon angustatus is said to have been found growing on an old stocking near the summit of Inglesborough, Yorkshire, and also on an old hat on Mt. St. Bernard, Switzerland. The stems are branching and bear root-like filaments. The leaves are lance-shaped or oval-oblong, and are prolonged into an awl-like point.

The spore-cases are small and erect with conical-convex, obtuse lids. They are borne on pedicels which are enlarged just under the spore-case to form a club-shaped apophysis. The apophysis is of importance as an assimilating and transpiring organ and is the only part of the moss which bears pores (stomata).

The peristome is single with sixteen dark-purple double teeth reflexed when dry. These are at first in groups of four, and afterward in pairs, a character which has suggested the generic name Tetraplodon from the Greek four-fold, and a tooth.

Nine species are known in all, four being found in North America.

Tetraplodon mnioides, Bruch & Schimp.

Habit and habitat.--Growing in dense tufts on decaying animal matter in mountainous regions.

The specimen illustrated was found on porcupine bones in

Vermont. The specific name mnioides is derived from, moss, and the suffix, like.

Plant (gametophyte).--Robust, pale-green, 1/2 to 3 inches high, stems branched, covered with matted root-like filaments below.

Leaves.--Crowded, ovate-lance-shaped or narrowly obovate-lance-shaped; apex pointed, suddenly narrowed into a flexuous yellow awn; vein prolonged to form the awn; margin yellow, entire.

Habit of flowering.--Male and female flowers on one plant (monoicous).

Veil (calyptra).--Small, conical, usually split up one side.

Spore-case.--Short-cylindrical, fawn-colour, with a cylindrical green apophysis, both become dark-red, and the spore-case is contracted below the mouth when empty.

Pedicel (seta).--Stout, orange to red, variable in length, 1/2 to 2 inches long. Enlarged under the spore-case.

Lid (operculum).--Obtusely conic.

Teeth (peristome).--Reflexed when dry, orange-red.

Spores.--Small, mature in summer.

Distribution.--Universal.