Guide to Liverworts of Oregon: Calypogeia azurea Stotler et Crotz
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Calypogeia 1b oil bodies blue > Calypogeia azurea
Synonym: Calypogeia trichomanis (L.) Corda emend. K. Müll.
Special status: None.
Recognition: Calypogeia may be recognized in the field by its incubous leaves and prominent underleaves. The species is immediately determined under a microscope by its blue oil bodies, mostly 2 per cell but sometimes 3-4 per cell, rarely more, each oil body composed mostly of <10 globules. The chloroplasts are distributed mainly around the lateral edges of the cells, so that the blue oil bodies are clearly visible in the center of the cell (based on DHW 3549). If oilbodies are not observed, identification is difficult. In the field this species may be recognized by a distinct bluish tint to the shoot tips.
Distribution: On wood or more often soil; in mesic habitats at all elevations.
Comments: Although this species is widespread in Oregon, historical records must be considered doubtful unless oil body color was recorded. Historical records from Oregon, which will have been called C. trichomanis, might well represent misidentified C. muelleriana.
Calypogeia azurea King County, Washington. DHW m1932.
Calypogeia azurea King County, Washington. DHW m1932.
Calypogeia azurea Cape Perpetua, Lincoln County, Oregon. Wagner photo.
Calypogeia azurea King County, Washington. DHW m1932.
Calypogeia azurea King County, Washington. DHW m1932.
Calypogeia azurea King County, Washington. DHW m1932.
Calypogeia azurea King County, Washington. DHW m1932.