Aulacomnium androgynum (Hedw.) Schwägr.

Habitat

Aulacomnium androgynum can be found in a variety of open and shaded habitats.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Substrata include decaying wood, tree trunks, disturbed mineral soil and rocks.

 

 

 

 


Gametophyte

Overall Structure:

Aulacomnium androgynum in situAulacomnium androgynum is an acrocarp that forms short, bright yellow-green tufts or turfs.

 

 

 

Leaf Structure:

Aulacomnium androgynum leafLeaves are costate and the marginal cells are not differentiated from the other laminal cells. The cells are also distinctly papillose.

 

Aulacomnium androgynum leaf apex

 

 

The apex of each leaf is pointed and often bears sharp teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Asexual Reproduction

Gemmae:

In this species, specialized asexual reproduction occurs via gemmae.

The “lollipop” shape of the gemmae-bearing structures of Aulacomnium androgynum are distinctive: the gemmae are clustered in balls elevated on pseudopodia that emerge singly from the shoot apices. The epithet androgynum apparently refers to past confusion of the gemmiferous shoots for male shoots ().

 

 

Individual gemmae are clavicle-shaped and short-stalked.

 

 

 

 

 


Sporophyte

Aulacomnium androgynum sporangium (mature)Sporophytes are common and mature in spring ().

 

 

 

 

 

The sporangia are brown and grooved at maturity.