Leiomitrium plicatum

The tropical moss Leiomitrium plicatum is a rare species restricted to Indian Ocean islands.

It is the only member of the genus Leiomitrium, which belongs to the family Orthotrichaceae.

Species detail

Morphology

Learn more about what this creeping moss looks like.
Close relatives

Find out what characteristics distinguish Leiomitrium from other genera in the Orthotrichaceae family, and learn more about its closest relatives.
Distribution, habitat and threats

Find out about the locations where Leiomitrium plicatum is found, and what might threaten the survival of this rare species.

Images

Leiomitrium plicatum growing on a palm trunk. This tropical moss ranges in colour from yellow-brown to green.

Leiomitrium plicatum forms mats of creeping stems.

A close-up of the moss Leiomitrium plicatum, showing its stems and their short branches.

Leiomitrium with capsules. These release spores as part of the lifecycle of the moss. They are attached to stalks (setae) and the protective caps that cover them are hairy and shaped like a bishop's miter.