Guide to Liverworts of Oregon: Cephaloziella stellulifera (Taylor ex Carrington et Pearson) Croz.
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Synonym: None.
Special Status: None.
Recognition: Distinguishable from Cephaloziella divaricata by its paroicous condition, edentate bracts, and larger leaf cells.
Distribution: On shaded soil or stony substrate, rarely tree bases or organic substrates; low to high elevations.
Comments: In western North America Cephaloziella stellulifera is especially abundant in the southern part of its range in Oregon and California. It is critical to recognize the paroicous inflorescences of Cephaloziella stellulifera as distinct from Cephaloziella divaricata. Cephaloziella divaricata is always described as dioicous but occasional autoicous plants have been observed. In either case, the presence of abundant, solitary androecia in a collection will rule out the paroicous species. Cephaloziella stellulifera is distinguished by edentate female bracts and long perianth mouth cells which may be free at the tip. Its leaves are consistently smooth abaxially in contrast to the forms of Cephaloziella divaricata with armed leaves. Female bracts of Cephaloziella divaricata are always dentate and the perianth mouth cells are mostly short and form a crenulate margin without free tips.
Cephaloziella stellulifera. Modoc County, California. Doyle 9123.
Cephaloziella stellulifera. Modoc County, California. Doyle 9123.
Coos Head, Coos Co., Oregon. DHW m1552.
Coos Head, Coos Co., Oregon. DHW m1552.
Coos Head, Coos Co., Oregon. DHW m1552.
Coos Head, Coos Co., Oregon. DHW m1549.
Perianth mouth. Hidden Lake Trail, Lincoln County, Oregon. Lyford 646 (OSC).