Guide to Liverworts of Oregon: Solenostoma obovatum (Nees) Massal.
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Synonym: Jungermannia obovata Nees; Plectocolea obovata (Nees) Mitt.; Nardia obovata (Nees) Lindb.
Special Status: None.
Recognition: Not positively identifiable without perianths. The paroicous condition is demonstrated by the presence of male bracts immediately below the perianth. It is distinguished from other paroicous species by a perianth that is included or exserted only a short distance beyond the bracts. The verrucose cuticle should provide a confirming clue, or at least suggestive when only sterile plants are at hand. Sterile specimens having red, concave leaf bases are likewise suggestive.
Distribution: Under exploration. Presently not definitely known in our region.
Comments: The sole historical Oregon record from the coast (T.C. Frye 2, about 20 miles east of Reedsport, 26 March 1935. WTU) was originally determined by L. Clark as Nardia obovata. I have examined it and it is actually a small, male specimen of Jungermannia rubra. Otherwise, good material has been examined from Washington (see image below). Schuster (1969) mentions a collection from California considered dubious by Evans. Because Doyle and Stotler (2006) do not include this species in their treatment of California liverworts, I suspect the mention of California in Bakalin (2017) and Stotler & Crandall-Stotler (2017) is based on that dubious record. Bakalin places this in Plectolea while Stotler & Crandall-Stotler prefer Solenostoma.
Jungermannia obovata - Darrington District, Washington. USFS 8899E.
Jungermannia obovata - Wiley Creek, Snohomish County, Washington. L.Russell 79.008 OSC.