Status: Native
Synonyms:
Meiotrichum_lyallii (Mitten) G.L. Smith
Polytrichadelphus lyallii Mitten
Polytrichastrum lyallii (Mitten) G. L. Smith
Polytrichum angustidens H. Lindberg
Polytrichum lyallii (Mitten) Kindberg
Polytrichastrum lyallii is most easily identified by its dense basal branching (called "fastigiate" branching in many keys and descriptions), unlike the sparse branching of other members of the Polytrichaceae. When sporophytes are present, the calyptra is sparsely hairy compared to the more hairy calyptra in other genera. The toothed margins of the leaves are not curled over to enclose the 30 or 40 lamellae that are stacked vertically over the broad costa at midleaf. The free edges of the lamellae are pitted and ridged, which in cross section of the lamellae gives an irregularly papillose appearance. The bases of the leaves are sheathing. Polytrichastrum lyallii is found at high elevation on soil or in rock crevices.
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Polytrichastrum lyallii, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
Polytrichastrum lyallii, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
Polytrichastrum lyallii, photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
Polytrichastrum lyallii, photomicrograph of leaf, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
Polytrichastrum lyallii, photomicrograph of leaf cross section, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
Polytrichastrum lyallii, photomicrograph of leaf cross section with detail of lamellae, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
Polytrichastrum lyallii, photomicrograph of leaf cross section with detail of lamellae, photo Russ Kleinman & Karen Blisard, March 13, 2022, of specimen collected and identified by Kelly Allred, Mora County, Pecos Wilderness, Trailriders Wall, Sangre de Cristo Mountains, alpine tundra growing on soil, July 30, 1997
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