Orthotrichaceae

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Family: Orthotrichaceae

Group: Bryophyte, Species

Scientific NameCommon NameSummary
Lewinskya speciosaWorley's map shows collections from the northern mainland. From BFNA "The ribbed capsule, large size, and more slender leaf apices distinguish it."
Orthotrichum anomalumWorley reports this as primarily an interior species, with the only coastal record from Skagway.
Orthotrichum columbicumRecently (re)separated from Orthotrichum consimile (see paper linked below in references). Calyptra naked (separating from O. consimile) and exostome not reddish (separating from O. pulchellum)
Orthotrichum consimileRecent paper (see link below) indicates this species may occur in the region, but Orthotrichum columbicum is likely much more frequent. Hairy calyptra distinguishes this species from Orthotrichum columbicum
Orthotrichum cupulatumReported from limestone outrcrop on Kuiu Island. Has been considered rare in Alaska and BC, where it is primarily known from the interior (Worley notes)
Orthotrichum lyelliiCollections noted by Worley all from far northern mainland. Has been found on non-native landscaping trees in Sitka.
Orthotrichum obtusifoliumWorley reported as known only from Skagway.
Orthotrichum pulchellumScattered collected noted by Worley from across much of the region.

Separated from Orthotrichum consimile and Orthotrichum columbicum by reddish exostome.

From BFNA account: "Distinguished from all species of Ulota by the glabrous calyptra and immersed stomates, and from O. consimile by the 16, reddish exostome teeth that are papillose-reticulate with slender, high papillae, and by the stomates that are always located at or beyond the middle of the capsule. Also, O. pulchellum has plants that are rarely longer than 1 cm and the capsules are usually just barely exserted and oblong-cylindric."
Orthotrichum rupestreWorley reports this has been found at Lake Lindeman, BC - and has more of a continental distribution.
Ulota barclayiWorley shows collections span the region. BFNA indicates leaves should be much less twisty than other species in the area. Also leaves at base of sporophyte will be different than the rest of its leaves, and exostome teeth are reflexed.
Ulota crispaBFNA indicate this species is restricted to east of the Mississippi River in NA, see http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200001670

However, a 2016 publication Integrative taxonomy sheds light on an old problem: the Ulota crispa complex (Orthotrichaceae, Musci) has this species in western North America. The range map included shows Washington and southern BC, but it may be worth considering it as a possibility in this region

See also Ulota intermedia
Ulota curvifoliaWorley notes only reports are from Skagway and Lake Lindeman. Grows on rock (may be more likely to be found at higher elevations - if it occurs in the region beyond where it's been reported).
Ulota drummondiiWorley shows records from outer islands and near Juneau, and reports its generally on alder in this region. Capsule more football shaped should be distinct.
Ulota intermediaPart of the U. crispa complex which BFNA indicates is restricted to east of the Mississippi River in NA, see http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200001670 (though Worley reported it from Southeast Alaska - see Ulota crispa) However, a 2016 publication Integrative taxonomy sheds light on an old problem: the Ulota crispa complex (Orthotrichaceae, Musci) has this species in western North America. The range map included shows U. intermedia the only one in the complex currently known/expected from Southeast Alaska.
Ulota megalosporaA few collections were noted by Worley, who thought it probably occurred throughout the region. Creeping stems with erect branches should be distinct in this genus in the region (though consider Ulota reptans)
Ulota obtusiusculaCommon throughout the region. BFNA notes this species has consistently contorted and twisted leaves, even when wet.
Ulota phyllanthaCommon maritime species. Dark brown 'brood-bodies' at the end of leaves are usually present and distinctive for this species.
Ulota reptansBFNA doesn't indicate this species is currently known from NA, see http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=50&taxon_id=250062028
Zygodon reinwardtiiWorley reports an old record from southern tip of Prince of Wales Island as the only one in the region.
Zygodon viridissimusBFNA does not include Alaska in the range of this species, though Worley indicates a handful of records from as far north as Sitka (while noting it is increasingly rare at the northern end of its range).

FNA Couplet for separating Ulota and Orthotrichum (emphasis added)

  • Leaves erect-appressed and straight when dry; marginal laminal cells gradually shorter than basal; calyptrae covering entire capsule; stomata superficial or immersed. Orthotrichum
  • Leaves straight and not crisped to flexuose and crisped when dry; marginal laminal cells abruptly shorter than basal; calyptrae covering 1/2 capsule; stomata superficial. Ulota


Partial Orthotrichum key simplified/extracted from: https://www.academia.edu/2310255/Integrative_taxonomy_successfully_resolves_the_pseudo-cryptic_complex_of_the_disjunct_epiphytic_moss_Orthotrichum_consimile_s.l._Orthotrichaceae_

1. Exostome reddish, exothecial bands mostly 2 cells wide...................... Orthotrichum pulchellum

1. Exostome not reddish, exothecial bands mostly 4–6 cellswide ................................. 2

2. Endostome of 16 segments (sometimes the 8 intermediate ones reduced), exostome primary peristome layer (PPL)side with conspicuous longitudinal striae, operculum with a wide bright red to crimson basal rim, seta commonly 2.5–5.5 mm long, calyptra totally naked .... Orthotrichum columbicum

2. Endostome of 8 segments, exostome primary peristome layer (PPL) side smooth or almost smooth, operculum with thin orange basal rim, seta commonly 1.0–2.0 mm, calyptra with abundant to sparse papillose hairs .... Orthotrichum consimile


Integrative taxonomy sheds light on an old problem: the Ulota crispa complex (Orthotrichaceae, Musci) - this paper suggests *U. crispa* and *U. intermedia* should be considered as possibilities for this region.