Photo
by Dr M Lueth ©.
*1: Newlyn Cliff, 1865,
WC (PNZ) (Paton 1969a: 720).
*2: Torpoint, 1869, FB
(BM) (Paton 1969a: 720). [Earlier record
(Tresillian, 1861, ES (TRU)) is based on
misidentified A. aloides: Paton 1969a:
720].
See
notes under A. aloides
s. str. Distinguished from A. aloides by characters
given in Smith (1978). They were often misidentified prior to
publication of this Flora, using other
unreliable characters, so older records are referred to A. aloides s. l. unless
redetermined subsequently.
Specimens from NE. of Cape Cornwall (DTH 94-444)
have basal membrane projecting above mouth of capsule as usual
in A. ambigua, but rather
large spores (mean 18 µm, rather than the
15-16 µm usual in
this form), so that they approach A. aloides. Other plants
from Pendeen Watch also appear to be intermediate, with spores
averaging 18 µm and
basal membrane of peristome with small and variable projection
above capsule mouth. Smith (op. cit.: 230) noted that the 'two varieties are distinct inBritain but
sometimes intergrade elsewhere'. However, K.J. Adams (pers.
comm.) has reported other intermediates in Britain.
The six DTH records are all from coastal areas in
West Penwith: of scattered plants or thin turfs on unshaded or
almost unshaded tops or sides of walls of ruined mine
buildings. They grew on thin soil over old concrete or
directly on crumbling old mortar, among rather sparse low
cover of mosses. Associates included Aloina aloides, Barbula
convoluta.
Commonly c.fr. [only recorded with mature
capsules]: capsules immature 1; dehiscing 3 [4], 10, 11;
dehisced 1, 4.