Leucolepis menziesii – Menzie’s tree moss
Common Name
Menzie’s tree moss
Family
Mniaceae
Scientific Name
Leucolepis menziesii
Soil Moisture Regime (SMR)
- Medium (M)
- Wet (W)
Soil Nutrient Regime (SNR)
- Rich (R)
Image courtesy of the Royal BC Museum and Archives
General / Habitat
- Shaded sites
- In damp areas
- On decaying logs and soil over rocks, sometimes on trees (Epiphyte) ie. on broad-leafed maple
Key Identifying Characteristics
- Form: Dark green, mini palm-tree like shoots
- With nodding sporangia
- White narrow triangular leaves on the main stem
- Swollen branches
Lookalikes
- Climacium dendroides - with shinier, heart shaped leaves
- Pleuroziopsis ruthenica - with horizontal, flattened branches
- Thamnobryum neckeroides - with flattened branches
- Hypopterygium fauriei - is tree like, but flattened
External References
Sources
Douglas, G.W. et al (Editors). 1998-2002. Illustrated Flora of British Columbia, Volumes 1 to 8. B.C. Min. Environ., Lands and Parks, and B.C. Min. For., Victoria, B.C.
Pojar, J. and A. MacKinnon. 2014. Plants of Coastal British Columbia Including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. B.C. Ministry of Forestry and Lone Pine Publishing. Vancouver, B.C.
Schofield, W.B. 1992. Some Common Mosses of British Columbia. 2nd edition. Royal British Columbia Museum, Victoria, B.C.